Keri-anne Payne is a British Swimmer who specialises in marathon open water swimming. A two-time World 10km open water champion and an Olympic silver medalist, she is no stranger to success.
How did you get into open water swimming?
I've done open water swimming almost my whole life, starting from about the age of 8, but it was always a bit of fun and not until 1 was 17 that it became an Olympic reality when my coach put me forward for an event. The rest is history.
What is your greatest achievement and your most challenging swim?
My greatest achievement is winning an Olympic silver medal in Beijing, in terms of a reward, but my proudest moment was walking out to my Olympic final in London 2012 to 30,000 people cheering for me. My most challenging swim was in January this year in Perth, Australia - I had to swim through hundreds of jellyfish; I still have scars.
You recently hosted 'WellFit' November at BodyHoliday, which is the most fantastic resort for health and wellness in the Caribbean - what did you do during your time there?
My husband and I hosted the SwimFit programme as part of the WellFit month. We hosted a swimming programme where 16 guests joined us; one woman had a chronic fear of water, but by Monday she did her first length with her face in the water, and by the end she was open water swimming. We also ran a 'One Mile Swim Event' where 40 people got involved, some locals and guests of the hotel. They were all smiling at the end.
Why do you think BodyHoliday is such a great place for Health and Wellness?
What was the general atmosphere around the resort? There is such a great mix of exercise. You can do as much or as little as you want and this is combined with amazing views, wonderful food and relaxing on the beach. A huge amount of effort goes into the All-Inclusive programme at BodyHoliday and it is such a friendly atmosphere, which reminded me of the Olympic Village, a real 'Team Feel' which I haven't felt at another resort before. There is such a relaxed atmosphere and no one is forced to do anything. In the evening s there is a fun, party atmosphere with steel drum bands and nightly activities.
What is a must for guests at BodyHoliday?
My BodyHoliday must do, would be the Sunset Cruise! You get a completely different perspective of the hotel from the water. For the more active I would definitely recommend the Quadrathlon where you bike, run, swim and kayak past Pigeon Island. Oh, and the 'Swoosh' smoothie, made with peanut butter and banana - delicious!
What would you suggest for people who want to get into open water swimming?
Be brave enough to give it a go. It's completely different from swimming in a pool. Being in the water and taking off your goggles, looking back at the land you came from - it gives you a wonderfully unique perspective.
Do you have any pre-holiday or on holiday fitness tips for our readers?
Its all about consistency - going to the gym solidly for two weeks before your holiday won't work, do something once a week. Try to be consistent with it, it makes a massive difference and is easier to maintain.
