My swimming story?
More than a story, I’ll share a brief description of what swimming has been and continues to be for me: a moment of happiness, self-discovery, and self-care!
I'm 47 years old, a person who embraces challenges and seeks to live simply and peacefully — to be happy in line with what I believe in, what stirs my emotions and feelings, and what makes sense to me. Though I’ve always cared deeply about others, I’ve now learned to keep that spirit while also taking more time to look after myself.
About SWIMMING: I remember as a child running happily to the bathtub! I’ve always loved taking baths (fortunately 😊)… it was a playful moment when I loved diving my head underwater, holding my breath, blowing bubbles, and staying in the water as long as I could, just playing around.
With my grandparents, I used to go to the beach on weekends: I loved watching the older men swimming along the coast, running toward the waves and then running back as my grandfather would say, “run, run!” I’ll never forget how he taught me to fix my eyes on a point on land to stay balanced and how he would help me do nasal rinses in the sea — without any discomfort at all.
I learned to swim as a child in clubs such as Sporting Club, Algés e Dafundo, and Belenenses. Encouraged by my beloved grandparents, my parents enrolled me, and it quickly became a source of happiness — I loved being in the pool, listening to the coach, and following their instructions. I never felt afraid; it was an environment where I felt calm and where I truly enjoyed being. I was also lucky to have my cousin with me — I always loved spending time and playing with him. He didn’t enjoy swimming lessons as much as I did, but that didn’t bother me — I kept jumping enthusiastically into the water every time.
I remember liking to swim, not for the competition, but because it made me feel good.
I swam until I was about 12 or 13 years old. I remember loving to swim underwater — seeing how far I could go, always trying to do a little more. I used to throw objects and dive to retrieve them, testing how long I could hold my breath, whether in the bathtub, holding on to the pool ladder, or in the sea. I also practiced bodyboarding and loved it — never scared, though I always had a deep respect for the ocean.
However, I stopped taking swimming lessons — I don’t remember why — and today I regret it, because I was happy and could have continued to improve my swimming.
Once working at the beach and sea, we remained a team — even those of us stationed in different places. The ocean and the beach gave me a deep sense of peace, calm, and well-being. Many times, after a night shift, I actually felt less tired than on plenty of other days. It was wonderful to arrive at the beach, feel that scent of the sea, hear the waves, walk across the sand, and dive into the water. By the end of the day, I felt renewed and happy. And that’s how three years passed. For professional reasons, I eventually had to stop being a lifeguard — something I truly regret.
However, it’s today that swimming takes on an even greater meaning for me. Beyond being a pleasure, a passion… it has become a tool for self-care.
Words can’t describe what I feel… because a year ago I lived through the hardest year of my life — something I never thought I’d experience… I still cry today. Two years ago, I had to undergo spinal surgery — nothing compared to what came after. Life tripped me up in the harshest way, hitting me straight in the heart and soul — the loss of my beloved sister to suicide, along with other painful losses. I’ve been in survival mode ever since, moving forward despite the weight of the pain I carry.
In that dreadful year, I finished the final year of my Nursing degree and decided, in December 2025, to start training again — something I had left behind many years ago. It was yet another challenge, as after just one meter I was already out of breath. My strength, flexibility, and mobility were almost zero. That’s how I began Hyrox training, where I soon started feeling much better — both physically and mentally.
Out of nowhere, with no outside influence, I looked at the sea and decided to start swimming again. I began researching and came across open water events. I thought I’d enjoy them — they resonated with me — so I decided to begin open water swimming. Aware that I needed to learn and train properly, I chose to embrace this new challenge. For that, I needed someone connected to the sea. I remembered a friend (a surf instructor in his free time) who gave me the contact of a friend of his who swam in open water — and she, in turn, shared the contact for Swim4Fun!
I contacted Swim4Fun… booked a trial lesson… and loved it! I immediately felt at home — from the very first contact to the coach, the class, and the atmosphere. That’s how another challenge began, even though it’s more than 50 km away. I started taking classes once a week! After just five lessons, I feel calm and happy, and when I look at the photos, I see that wide, natural, joyful smile again — thanks to the wonderful class environment (a group of extraordinary people who share a love for the sea, challenge one another, and look out for each other) and to our amazing coach, Anabela — more than just a coach! She trains us technically but in a holistic way, empowering each person through her smile and constant humility, addressing each one’s needs, and showing us that progress is possible. All of this — and everything swimming is giving me — fills me with joy.
As of today, I’m signed up for 5 events — not because I’m seeking results or competition (even though it gives me an adrenaline rush and that feeling is great), but for the challenge I set myself and to remind myself what I’m capable of. It’s about learning, resilience, and a mindset where what matters is to start, to finish, and to experience mental and physical fulfillment throughout the whole journey (training and races). In the sea I feel calm, even though I know I’m not in top physical shape. I give voice to my mind, to that inner strength that wants to push through and reach my goals. I also understand that I can’t control the sea; I learn to move with it, and there’s no point in swimming against it because I’ll only wear myself out — what matters is to make the most of the sea as it is, even though good technique is needed. Beyond that, I identify with the sea because, although you need strength, it teaches you to face your fears. When I swim, I catch myself talking to myself when the waves are stronger and breathing is harder, when I’m exhausted and feel like stopping, when I can’t see the bottom and I start thinking a larger sea creature might appear. And even when everything is calmer, I realize I need to stay focused on swimming in a relaxed way and not give in to thoughts that could throw me off.
I could go on writing about everything I feel, but this text is already getting long… so I’ll finish with this: Swimming has done me good — so much good — because it challenges me and improves my physical and mental well-being.
When I swim, I’m happy — I’ve started smiling again!
Thank you, Swim4Fun!
Setúbal, 25 março 2026
Ana Sampaio