An elite Eden swimmer who was forced from the pool into the lake due to the pandemic is aiming for selection to the national team.
COVID restrictions meant 21-year-old Cardiff University student Jake Fabi, who regularly finishes in the top three in events in Wales and ranks hghly in England, was denied access to the pool and had to adapt.
Last year, the butterfly specialist even qualified for Olympic trials but could not attend due to the price of the COVID bubble hotel. Not put off by this, however, he has used the time to reset.
The Tirril resident, who swims in Ullswater four times a week, said: “I fell back in love with swimming last year, I wanted to do it. I love swimming in the lake. It’s an escape, just being free.”
Jake braved the waters throughout the seasons and was even swimming in snow and hail over Christmas with lake temperatures almost at freezing point. For safety he has a buoy attached to him and one of his siblings kayaking next to him.
“Ullswater is also a dangerous place; you have no lifeguards – you have nothing,” he said. “In the lake it can be freezing, you’ve got currents, you’ve got all sorts, you don’t know what you’re swimming with. But also depending on the wind the waves might be choppy.”
In his first event since resuming in-pool training last month, Jake came second in a mile-long race across Ullswater — the longest distance he has swum since the start of the pandemic.
He normally sticks to 50, 100 and 200m butterfly.
His career began when his mum, Christine, took him to Penrith Swimming Club at the age of nine. Since then, he has gained a sports scholarship to university in Cardiff where he competes nationally.
Every week he juggles his studies with 17 hours in the pool, three gym sessions, a run and lots of mobility work.
Despite his training, Jake said: “I’ve had the chance to meet new people, have fun and have a bit of a normal life”
Jake’s main frustration during COVID restrictions came when pubs opened but pools and gyms did not.
He said the mental health benefits of exercise outranked the need for beer and chips.
Looking ahead, his goal is to make the England Commonwealth team for next year’s games.
He said: “It’s going to be hard but I’m going to give it my all.”
