Two ice mile swims (a mile swim in only bather, speedo cap and goggles, in water temps of under 5C) in some of South Africa's coldest destinations this winter: The Matroosberg Nature Reserve on the farm Erfdeel, at Matroosberg, 35km out of Ceres, Matroosberg is the highest mountain in the Boland, and the second destination, she will have to also contend with the high altitude and alpine conditions in the snow, a dam at the Afri-Ski Resort, Drakensberg, the highest mountain in South Africa.
Schutte is the first South African women to have swum an ice mile, accomplished at the Speedo Ice Swim Africa, she was also the first woman to be accepted into the International Ice Swimming Association.
She trains outdoors, combining ocean and pool training along with a specialised Virgin Active dry-land training programmes as part of her routine. Coldwater extreme swimming really tests the mind and body to the limits; you must be fit and able to withstand severe cold conditions, while moving the body through motions over a period of time.
"You don't always know how your swim will turn out, I only know once I am in the water how prepared I am. There are so many variables, the body on the day, the water temp, the air temp, your mind, etc.
"The first part of the swim is usually the toughest and you wonder if you are going to make it, with your hands and arms feeling like lead. Then things seem to find some balance somehow, it's almost like the cold becomes part of you, you accept it in, in a way."
She will have Medi-Clinic and Dr Sean Gottschalk as a back-up team for monitoring and emergency assistance that might be needed on the ice swims, and sports-injury doctor, Dr Bruce Harris to help with muscles and getting the body loosened up before and after the swims. Derrick Fraser of Big Bay Events will help with water safety during the swim. She will only be doing the swim in Speedo bather, cap and goggles and no other aids.
While it is Schutte's mission in life to inspire people to shrug off their fear of conquering the elements and to push the boundaries of the body's capacity, the drug misuse of youths is something she takes to heart and believes needs to be addressed effectively for the future of our youths and country. Further to this is her deep desire to contribute to the social conditions through her talent, which she has done over the years by raising funds through other swimming endeavours.
Said Schutte: "I have always wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of people around me, and I believe it is my duty to use my talents for good. I firmly believe that swimming is the one sport that everyone can relate to, regardless of culture, age or nationality. I hope that I can inspire young men and women to push their own boundaries and to use their own talents to better the conditions of others."
These swims coming up are in preparation for a global project she is planning.
For further information, future sponsorships or to contact Cecilia Schutte directly, email moc.ettuhcsailicec@ofni, go to www.ceciliaschutte.com, or call +27 (0)71 941 6870.
