5
TEAM 5 – CAN/AUS/SWE
Hilary Bell
Toronto
Merits
- 2022 – Expedition Canada (expedition race), 81h29m, 2nd Place
- 2022 – Explore Gippsland (adventure race), 23h31m, 2nd Place
- 2017 – Cairns 70.3 Ironman, 4h52m, 5th Place
- Competed internationally in swimming for Canada and accomplished the following:
- 2014, 2013 – Ontario University Athletics Women’s Swimming Championship 1st place
- 2012 – Canadian Olympic Trials qualifier
- 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 – Canadian National Age Group Relays Record Holder
- 2008 – Canadian Olympic Trials 7th place 200m Freestyle
- 2008, 2006 – Junior World Swimming Championships Canadian Team Member
- 2007 – Pan American Games Silver & Bronze Medals (Freestyle Relays)
- 2007 – Swimming World Cup Canadian Team Member
– What other experiences do you have that demonstrates your competence and ability to complete One Water Race?
I’m a natural racer with a determination to win in everything I does. Beyond my professional swimming career and adventure racing experience I have done many off trail treks (50km+ per day) and adventure runs this year in remote parts of Australia.
– Why do you want to participate in One Water Race?
I like swimming and running for a long, long time, especially with an awesome and fun team! I want to push my body to the limit and see what it can do. One Water excites me because it will be an ultimate endurance test.
– Have you taken a similar challenge before?
I have raced Expedition Canada and did perform particularly in the later stages of the race, demonstrating my ability to endure tough conditions for long periods.
– What are your strengths?
Swimming, running, endurance sports, racing, competitive edge, pushing my body to the limit, adapting to the current situation under pressure.
– What are your weaknesses?
Navigation, shy.
– What would be your biggest challenges in this race?
Going non-stop for 60 hours (lack of sleep), creating a cohesive team in a short period of time, swim to run transitions, only female on team.
– Have you been to the Stockholm archipelago and what do you know/think about the terrain?
I have been to Stockholm to compete in FINA swimming world cup but have not seen the archipelago. It looks incredible and I would love to have the opportunity to explore the archipelago fast-paced with the One Water Race.
– What are you most looking forward to, if you would participate in One Water Race?
I love racing as it forces my body and mind into a state of stress which demands immediate growth to overcome the immediate challenges without hesitation. Racing encourages and stimulates self-development to an extreme that I have not experienced in any other activity. One Water Race is the ultimate test and will push me to the limit which is exactly what I love to do.
