“I grew up close to a river. When I see water, I want to swim. Not in a swimming pool, but in open water. Swimming laps is boring to me. I love swimming in lakes, rivers or in the sea – any kind of water really, as long as it’s outside in nature. What I like the most is long-distance swimming. I got this medal for taking part in a 10-kilometre race. I’m proud that I managed to see it through and finish without training for the swim. To me, the goal of a race is not putting down the fastest time, but testing my stamina and perseverance.”