7
TEAM 7 – CAN/AUS
Hilary Bell
Toronto
Merits
- 2023 – One Water, 237km, DNF, third furthest team
- 2023 – Noosa Tri Age group winner
- 2023 – Godzone New Zealand finisher, 26th place
- 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 she does. Beyond Hilary’s professional swimming career and adventure racing experience she has 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 OWR 2023, as well as several expedition races. She is a star performer particularly in the later stages of the race demonstrating her 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. And 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?
Yes the OWR 2023 was amazing. The area is picturesque but absolutely brutal on the body; hard rocky ground, cold water, thick scrub at times. Our legs were scratched to pieces and I picked up about 50 ticks on my legs!
– 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. OneWater is the ultimate test and will push me to the limit which is exactly what I love to do.
