You’ve read about the ELLE x Speedo Swim Fit Challenge, now it’s time to meet the team taking part. Read, get inspired, and join us (download the app here, then add us as friends so we can motivate each other - our usernames are in our bios).
Name: Lorraine Candy, Editor-in-Chief
Age: 47
Why I’m doing the challenge: I want to be able to swim one mile (1,609m) in the sea by 8 August! Having only recently learned how to do front crawl this may be a bit ambitious, but I am determined to do it.
What I hope to achieve: An injury prevents me running long distances, so this is perfect way to cross train and keep fit. My ambition is to complete another triathlon in September and to be able to take part in a swimathon one day too!
Speedo Fit app name: Lorraine Candy
Name: Debbie Morgan, Head Of Editorial Business Management
Age: 28
Why I’m doing the challenge: To improve my swimming fitness, which I have decided is an entirely different thing to running fitness/standard fitness!
What I hope to achieve: I want to be able to swim for an hour without stopping. (That might take longer than the specified six weeks though… but it will get me on the right track!)
Speedo Fit app name: Debbie Morgan
Name: Natalie Lukaitis, Contributing Beauty Correspondent
Age: 29
Why I’m doing the challenge: Because I can’t say no to one!
What I hope to achieve: I want to be able to swim 3k and feel confident in open water. I recently did a sprint-distance triathlon and had a panic after 650m, so I want to avoid that from happening during my next one.
Speedo Fit app name: NatELLEie
Name: Lara Ferros, Picture Editor
Age: 35
Why I’m doing the challenge: Because I love swimming and I want to get better at it. I also want to become fit from doing it.
What I hope to achieve: A body suitable for wearing crop tops and hot pants.
Speedo Fit app name: Lara Ferros
Name: Natalie Egling, Freelance Sub-Editor
Age: 33
Why I’m doing the challenge: As someone who could quite easily go months without doing any exercise, I want to do something where I'm held accountable – nothing like being part of a team to get me going.
What I hope to achieve: I want to like exercising again. Plus, toning up and getting fitter won't go amiss.
Speedo Fit app name: natalieme
Name: Michelle Duguid, Senior Fashion Editor
Age: 41
Why I’m doing the challenge: I want to improve my fitness. A team challenge appeals to me, as I won't be able to slack. Hopefully it will become an easy habit.
What I hope to achieve: It has been years since I took swimming lessons, so my technique is a bit off. Fingers crossed that by learning a few tips along the way, I will become a better swimmer and get fitter too.
Speedo Fit app name: michelle duguid
Name: Fern Ross, Chief Sub-Editor/Production Editor
Age: 32
Why: I injured my knee a month ago and am on a strict physio regime. Cycling and running are out, but swimming is allowed. Doing the challenge together will keep me motivated - I'm very competitive!
What I’m hoping to achieve: I'm already a keen swimmer, and have done a few distance swims, but want to maintain my fitness and stay toned while I recover. And I need be strong enough to undertake my yoga teacher training course in a month’s time!
Speedo Fit app name: fernikus
