Today we get inside the mind of a sporting great, the one and only Thomas Lurz….
Thomas is one of the greatest open water swimmers in the world, with many shiny medals to his name… This includes a recent silver medal that he picked up last year in London, in the Olympic 10k Marathon Swim.
So, as we approach the start of the FINA 10k Marathon Swimming World Cup, we thought we could pick the brains of an expert, and delve deeper in to the world of open water swimming….
The biggest question that comes to mind for many people when thinking open water, is simply ‘why’…. Why do they do it?
We put this question to Thomas…
“I have a natural talent in swimming long distances. It’s very tough, but I really like the challenges it brings”.
On mental preparation…
“It’s enough for you to know your individual race goals, and try to reach them”.
What do you eat prior to a swim Thomas?
“Normally I try to eat a lot of carbohydrates”.
and Drink?
“Again carbohydrates, along with energy gels. Drinking is very important”.
How do you cope when the water is rough?
“Rough water is really hard, everyone feels the waves, but you just have to accept them, and get on with it”.
What is the strangest thing you have ever come up against in the water?
“Dead animals! Rats, turtles and even sharks”….
But Thomas, are you a shark? or are you perhaps a jellyfish or Manatees?
“Haha, Hopefully I’m a shark, because they get to eat first”.
What has been your scariest moment in the open water?
“Sharks in Hawaii”.
Funniest?
“I was in a warm up swim, and a guy was drafting behind me. He even followed me when i swam in circles”.
What has been the highlight of your career?
“The London Olympics! The 10K Marathon swim was a great event, with many spectators. Of course my result was good also”.
So Thomas, what advice can you give to anyone wishing to enter from pool to open water?
“Collect as much experience as possible, because every race is different”.
Lastly, we asked Thomas who his sports hero was as a kid, and he responded with:
“My Brother”… (Stefan Lurz is both brother and coach to Thomas)
So if you decide to swim open water, remember to avoid the sharks, and if you can’t avoid them, ensure you swim faster than your opponents!
Thomas followed his Water Instinct……. Do you follow yours?