Winnie shares her story in such a joyful and happy way, you can’t help but smile listening to her talk. You can hear the passion she has for getting outside and getting in the water.
Winnie starts by taking us back to her childhood in Pointe noire, in the Republic of Congo, where she was the second eldest child of eight. Winnie talks about spending her early years playing outdoors, however, she was not allowed to swim in the sea which was seen as a taboo by her family and the local community.
During this episode Winnie goes into more detail about her life, and how she ended up living in the Lake District, 10 mis from Lake Windermere. You will hear how she learned to swim and how it has helped her to mange her mental health. Winnie, provides great advice and top tips which will inspire you to step outside your comfort zone and to give open water swimming a try.
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* Please note during this episode we talk about depression and mental health
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Show notes
Growing up in a big family
Living by the sea
Spending a lot of time in the outdoors
Not being allowed to swim in the sea
Why the sea was taboo
Black people not being able to swim
Growing up in a close community
Not being academic
Not knowing what to do with her life
Being bullied at school
Going to college and learning English
Being send to South Africa to study in 1997
Moving to Manchester, England with her partner
Deciding to move to the Lake District
Suffering with deep depression
Ensuring her daughters could swim
Being taught by her girls
Being scared to go in the deep end at the swimming pool
Wanting to jump in!
All you have to do is blow bubbles
Wanting to go and swim in the lake
Going through a tough time in 2018
Deciding to go swimming in winter!
Thinking she was going to die
Finding peace in the lake
Being part of a friendly and supportive community
Advice for women who want to get into outdoor swimming
Wanting to inspire other Black women to get into swimming
Not getting hung up on hair
Her journey of self care and self love
Putting herself first
What she does to make herself feel better
The benefits of swimming
Encouraging other women to love themselves
Sharing a happy memory - going Ice swimming
Her role model in swimming
The power of a hello
Coping during Covid
Meeting awesome women swimming
Meeting Eden - The Transgender Swimmer & Rhiane from Black Girls Hike
Let’s do a Swim meet!
Final words of advice to encourage other women to get into swimming
Top tip - "Once you are in, it’s a Win”
Social Media
Instagram @winniepoaty
Business ILOVEMEMOST
Website - www.iluvmemost.com
Instagram @iluvmemost
Facebook @iluvmemostboutique
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