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NAOMI CARTER – SWIMFLUENCER

Meet Naomi Carter….

Naomi is truly an inspirational swimmer who will get you motivated and into the water this season! She is a Mum of 2 girls under 2, a physiotherapist & an amputee. Previously a gymer and runner, she turned to swimming once she lost her leg below the knee in an accident.

Originally, swimming was just going to tie her over until she could run/gym again however she began to love it and has kept going through multiple surgeries and the births of her two children. Getting in the water is Naomi’s stress release and entering Ocean Swims gives her the motivation to get out and swim!

How long have you been swimming?	Same as most kids in NZ, I learnt to swim from an early age - but that was really it. I didn't start swimming properly until I lost my leg and was no longer able to run. At first it was super difficult and I found it so boring but I joined a squad and haven't looked back! That was 4 years ago and now I can't wait to get in the water! The awesome thing about swimming is it's so good on your injuries! I have many injuries and swimming has been awesome for them and has helped keep me fit and mobile. I originally entered my first Ocean Swim in 2019 - just to motivate myself to swim a bit more...and now I keep coming back!
Why do you swim?	I originally started swimming as a way to keep fit and to assist with my rehab however now it's so much more than that. I swim for my sanity, and enjoy the peace it brings me! Plus it makes me feel like a much better mum to my two young girls when I've been for a swim and had a little 'me time'. I absolutely love the water, both on top of or in it and swimming has become my happy place.
What’s your favourite event in the series & why?	Definitely the Lake Tikitapu event in Rotorua. It's so beautiful, the water is so clear and I just enjoy every stroke there! I'm always a little sad when that one is done - I love it so much!
What swim are you most looking forward to this season?	I'm super excited (and a little terrified) for the Rangitoto Swim. I've never done it before and I've entered the long event which will be my longest swim to date. Definitely stepping outside my comfort zone with that one but I'm excited for the challenge.
What do you hope to achieve by becoming a Swimfluencer?	As someone who was not previously a swimmer and who has many obstacles that can make swimming difficult, I want to help people see that anyone can do it! You don't have to be fast, fit or an amazing swimmer...you just have to get out there and do it! The Banana Boat Swim Series is so inclusive and everyone is so friendly and supportive. It's so rewarding and I just want others to experience the high you feel after completing an event and after stepping outside your comfort zone!
If you had ONE PIECE of advice for a new ocean swimmer - what would it be?	Ignore those around you and just enjoy it. It can be so easy to get caught up in the hype of the race-like atmosphere but just enjoy it and swim your own race. Make sure you breathe out and just keep swimming.