Flavie Capozzi, a young swimmer, has taken up the challenge of swimming from Geneva to Veytaux and back (150 km) in July. We met her at our shop in Nyon.
Can you introduce yourself in a few words?
My name is Flavie Capozzi, I am 24 years old and in everyday life I am a swimming teacher. I opened my own swimming school “Addict natation” in January 2022.
How did the 150 km project come about?
When I was younger, I used to do triathlons and as a little girl I told my dad that I would swim across the length of Lake Geneva. Having had a difficult phase at the beginning of 2018, I decided to take the plunge and try to swim the 75km from Bouveret to Geneva in August 2019. Before I left I said that if the crossing went well I would try something bigger. I am someone who loves to push my limits and so I decided to do the double by the end of July 2022.
What difficulties do you anticipate?
The hardest part of this preparation is having to manage a business, its preparation and personal life. I have a very organised schedule that leaves me with almost no free time or rest. I train twice a week in weight training, I have big lake swimming training sessions between 4h and 12h on weekends, yoga, sessions for my pulmonary rehabilitation and I swim 4 times a week in the pool. Then I also have my appointments with my nutritionist, my physio, my osteo and my masseurs for my recovery so I have a busy week.
What I fear the most during my 150km is the cold. I know it’s going to be long and that I’ll have to hang on during the difficult moments, but I have a strong character and I’m serene in my mind, so whatever happens, I won’t give up and I’ll go all the way.
You have tested Orca’s Alpha, how will it help you in your performance?
I was lucky enough to be able to test a new brand of wetsuit. I used to swim with another brand, but I didn’t like it at all. Basically I hate swimming with a wetsuit, but with the Alpha I had new sensations and I had much more fun. I feel much freer in my movements than with a classic neoprene suit. It is less restrictive for me to wear a wetsuit since I discovered orca and I am delighted.
You swim for the Morija association, can you present it?
I swim in order to raise funds for the Morija association, an NGO based in Bouveret which aims to build wells in African villages where access to drinking water is not available.
How to support this association?
To support the project, whether you are a company, a private individual or other, you can sponsor it through your company or simply make a donation.
You can consult the website for more information www.flaviecapozzi.ch or contact me directly by email flaviecapozzi@icloud.com