Alan Bircher goes the Olympic Distance

Why did you get into long distance and open water swimming?

My pool swimming really wasn’t going in the right direction and my coach at the time (Ian Turner) suggested I try and qualify for the World open water Championships in Barcelona. I had a go and realized it was a move I should have taken a long time before. I have not looked back since.

What’s the toughest event you have done?

Dubai World Championship 2004 I had a bad 5km and looked at going out strong on the 10km. I had a lead of 1min with 2.5km to go and it then felt like an elephant had jumped on my back I got overtaken with just 20m to go although I picked up the silver it was the hardest race I have ever done.

You swim events back to back like 5km one day followed by 10km the next, does this mean you’re the toughest man in British Swimming?

No, but probably the craziest though!! Dave Davies trains to swim 2x1500 back to back and I train to swim 5km+10km back to back. I think I’ve got a lot of mental toughness to be able to do what I do but all swimmers have to be mentally tough if they want to make it to the top.

Do you eat or drink during an actual race?

Yes, but more on the 25km than the 5km and 10km. It all depends on how hot or cold the weather and water are.

What do you eat and drink during a race?

When I race 10km I will take energy gels with me in my racing suit and usually take them at about the 6-7km mark for the boost into the final stretch. On a 25km you would usually take in fluid or sometimes food every 20-30min, again depending on conditions.

How many metres do you cover in your peak weeks of training?

I am in Australia at the moment training with some other open water swimmers and we are covering between 75-85km a week but the training is pretty high intensity most of the time.

How do you combat boredom during training?

While I have been in Australia it is very easy. I am training with some of the best open water swimmers in the world so there is some real competition and nobody wants to let up for a minute and show any weakness. Once you get a good training group it’s easier as you have that general banter between the swimmers.

Have you seen any changes in the sport since it was included in the Olympic Games?

The funding has obviously been a massive help. It means I can train as a professional athlete and focus only on success in Beijing. As for sponsorship I also do pretty well. I am currently with a number of brands Adidas, Multipower, Buff, Orca and my website designer Sanderling. Just a quick plug you can check out my website at www.alanbircher.com

Where is the worst place you have ever swum in open water?

To be honest most of the places are really nice, maybe some of the water conditions are not so good but you come to expect this as it is part and parcel to the sport. The worst experience I have had was in Egypt. I raced a 10km and got stung maybe 100 times by jelly fish and had small blisters all over me. I didn’t really notice when I was racing but once I woke up the next day it was hard not to.

What does your tattoo on your arm say?

My tattoo says ‘Carpe Diem’ meaning seize the day. I got this done a couple of years ago after my mum hard recovered from bowel cancer so really it is for her.

What’s your advice to anyone thinking of doing an open water swim?

I think the best thing I could say is try it. It won’t kill you, and who knows you might even like me find out it’s what you are good at.

Do you have any insider tips?

Well I don’t want to let all my tactical secrets out but there are some general things that you might need to take to a competition which you wouldn’t need in the pool such as Vaseline. Especially used around the costume otherwise after 2hours you can get some nasty cuts.

Do you ever plan to swim the Channel?

Well lets never say never but after swimming 25km it would take a lot to get me to swim the channel. I think it is something I would only want to do in order to break the record, and for this you need perfect conditions.