What happened next?

4 minute read

Some reality shows end with a ‘where are they now’ epilogue. Next to the contestant’s name or photo, you’ll see a paragraph or two about what they’ve been up to since the show ended. Although I wouldn’t have the guts to go on a reality show, I have loved sharing the my real life swim experiences with you since March 2022. I’d thought I’d take up some more of your time with my little epilogue.

After my ‘Big Swim’ – the 2-mile Suits vs Skins Henley-on-Thames swim

I had little time to rest because my first open water event was quickly followed by another event: the ‘Bantham Swoosh.’ For various dramatic reasons, the Swoosh swim was nothing like my Henley ‘Big Swim’, but like Henley, I will never forget it. Never! I wrote all about it on my new blog.

More open water events

Now I’ve completed two open water events, I want to do more! There’s something about the prep, the training, the big day and finishing, that’s totally addictive. In a week’s time, I’ll be doing another ‘Big Swim’ and I’m ready! Two weeks after that, I’ll be swimming in my first ever charity event at the iconic ‘Swim Serpentine’ in Hyde Park. I’ll be flying the flag for SkyWay, a charity that supports young people and their communities in London to identify, offer and access opportunities to build their confidence and skills, creating a future they deserve. In October, I have my first sea swim booked! Again, I will be swimming for another charity, but I am yet to decide what distance to go for. Decisions, decisions!

Swimming lessons

My lessons are now more focused on increasing fitness and endurance rather than pure technique development. I am still working on my front crawl – I’ll get there one day. The goal is to be able to swim front crawl for a good distance, without stopping and without ending up with a whole leap of water up my nose. I like the fact that I am still learning, that I haven’t perfected front crawl and I still have work to do; it gives me something to work towards and something to keep the ego in check. I don’t want to get too big for my boots on my swim adventures, I want to keep on learning and growing.

Trainee Solicitor

I have nearly completed the first year of my training contract and I am still no closer to knowing which area of law I would like to qualify into. When people find out you’re a trainee solicitor, they usually ask, “What area of law do you want to go into?” and I always give the same response “I’m not sure as yet.” I have two more seats (time spent working in a particular department) to come to a decision. Until then, I’m going into my next seats with an open mind.

Very proud to say I graduated from the University of Law in the LPC Master of Laws (LLM) with a Distinction.[1]

A new love

Since my niece let me borrow her bike to go on the ‘Black Unity Bike Ride’ annual ride from Leyton to Brockwell Park, I’ve discovered the joys (and convenience) of cycling in London. I had the best day cycling with Sonita (it was her suggestion) and a bunch of the most supportive strangers I have ever met at a massive group gathering. I loved it! Who knew you could have so much fun peddling around the polluted streets of London?!

Swim Friends

I’ve roped in some very cool swim friends into swimming outdoors with me. It’s been great having friends I work with on dry land, or swim lesson buddies I splash about with in a pool, with me in the great watery outdoors. Shout out to my good friend Jeanne – one day we WILL swim together! I know it.

The ‘This Girl Can’ Women

The girls and I are still in contact, keeping one another updated on future swim events, encouraging participation in longer swims, supporting one another with injuries, illness and all things swim-related. Cath Pendleton, our TGC mentor, continues to guide us all.

Swimming for joy

In all the training for big swims, cycle expeditions, my love for the simplicity of swimming outdoors remains. The other day I bolted out of bed, excited by the prospect of swimming in the rain after some serious thunder and lightening. I can’t get enough.

Epilogue

ABIGAIL

Since completing “This Girl Can Swim Henley,” trainee solicitor, Abigail has completed a 6K swim, signed up for more open water event swims, including a 2-mile swim for charity. She continues to swim regularly – indoors and outdoors – sometimes cycling there and back. She continues to blog about her swim experiences. Abigail is still looking forward to mastering front crawl one day!

1. Abigail’s new blog (SwimmingForJoy)

2. Abigail’s Bantham Swoosh blog

3. SkyWay website and Abigail’s SkyWay charity donation link

4. Black Unity Bike Ride website

[1] LPC: Legal Practice Course, the final stage of training to become a qualified solicitor.