Interview : Nora Meister

www.espacetriathlon.com has been supporting Nora Meister since this autumn. Nora is a multiple European champion and Paralympic medalist in para swimming, training with the brand Akron. We had the opportunity to ask her a few questions to get to know her better and gain some insight into her everyday life as an elite athlete.

To start with, could you briefly introduce yourself to our audience, especially those who may not know you yet?

My name is Nora Meister and I am a para swimmer. My journey began with the dream of one day competing at the Paralympic Games. Since then, I have competed in Tokyo in 2021 and Paris in 2024, where I won a bronze medal and then a silver medal in my main event, the 400m freestyle. I am now preparing for the next Games in LA 2028.

How did you get into swimming, and what motivated you to keep going and aim for higher goals?

As a child, I tried out different sports. Swimming was the one I enjoyed most. At the age of 8, I first learned about the Paralympics, and I was already spending time in the water regularly. At 10, I joined a swimming club.

My passion for sport, being in the water and swimming itself is what drives me forward. I always want to keep improving, and I find the journey towards achieving a goal very rewarding.

What does a “normal” day in the life of an elite swimmer look like?

A typical day starts with a swimming session. Afterwards, I head to the University of Teacher Education for seminars. I particularly enjoy being able to go home briefly around lunchtime to eat and take a short nap. In the afternoon, I usually have another seminar or a study session. In the evening, it’s back into the pool for another training session.

Has there been a person or an encounter that has played a particularly important role in your journey so far?

When I started my sporting career, Chantal Cavin was Switzerland’s leading para swimmer. She competed in Athens, Beijing and London, making her a great role model for me. A few years later, she became a good friend and supported me by sharing her experience and helping me along the way. Even today, she remains a role model to me, not only as an athlete but also as a person.

What has been the most defining moment of your career so far?

I have very fond memories of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. My family was there, and the most special part was being able to share my silver medal with them.

Elite sport requires many sacrifices and compromises. What challenges or limitations do you face in your everyday life as a high-performance athlete?

The biggest challenge is managing to balance everything. By everything, I mean my studies, training, competitions, presentations, interviews, school projects, looking for sponsors, social media, advertising, speeches, financial matters, and so on.

What definitely helps is that I genuinely enjoy doing most of these things! 🙂

What are your next sporting goals? Is there a particular challenge you are determined to achieve?

My next major goal is LA 28, where I would like to complete my Paralympic medal collection.

What message would you give to someone who wants to start swimming but is still hesitating?

Just go for it! When you are truly passionate about something, you can usually find a way to make it happen.

As an elite athlete, what criteria do you consider when choosing your swimming equipment?

I particularly like swimming equipment that is comfortable while also being a little stylish.