Camille HEITZ: “Finswimming is a life-long passion”

About a month ago, the 3rd World Masters Finswimming Championship took place in Cairo, Egypt. A total of 305 athletes from 70 teams participated in the event.  The athletes represented 22 different countries, from all 5 continents, giving a special character to the event. CMAS is paying special attention to the masters' activities and masters Finswimming is spearheading these efforts.

One of the entries that stood out both for performances and distinction was that of French athlete Camille Heitz. An athlete with many successes in her career who decided not to stop practicing the sport she loves so much, but to continue competing in the veterans' category, thus paving the way for other athletes.

So we let her introduce herself: My name is Camille Heitz, a 37 years old French woman, part of the national team since 2001 with 24 selections until last year when I decided (for the 2nd time!) to quit international competition.

- What were the highlights of your athletic career?
My best accomplishment was to win a gold medal at the Cali World Games in 2013, being twice European champion and European record holder on 100IS for almost 10 years. 

- But the years have passed and you haven't stopped contributing to the sport.
Now that I am older Ι wanted to offer some time to Finswimming, as a return to this sport for all the good things that it brings into my life. That's why i am assistant coach in my team, I am also a member of the French federation board and member of CMAS Finswimming commission. 

And apart of all that extra professional activities, I work in social real estate!

I am proud of what i accomplished as a Finswimmer. Because of my professional career, in 2015, I had to quit intense training, meaning I was not able to participate in international championships. 

When I stopped, the first thing I missed was the challenge! Second thing was the feeling of water when you swim…. Finswimming is my passion and compete may be a bit in my veins! 

- What was it that led you to make the decision to participate in Cairo?
So, after 3 years, I restarted training a few times a week, and I found a balance between sport and work! But quite fast, my taste for challenge came back but in a different way. I wanted to compete, but more for my own challenge than to win medals. 

Being able to swim at master championships was ideal for me!! This allowed me to train with a goal, participate in an international championship and meeting friends from all over the world! 

That's why i decided to swim in Cairo for the master world championships. I felt in the right place, with people of my age, who wanted to challenge themselves while sharing good times with their peers.

- What you would like to say in closing.
I can only advise anyone who likes training, who is looking for a challenge at his own level, sharing a passion with other finswimmers to do the same as me and participate in master competitions!