Reflections Interview: Guillaume Le Loher — Finding Freedom in Ice and Open Water

Interview by Ben Lane

French swimmer Guillaume Le Loher has swum many incredible events including the 30km UltraEbre in Spain. His journey from the pool to polar waters has been one of discovery, resilience, and connection. From early races in indoor pools to the icy extremes of Antarctica and the Arctic, his story is a reminder that swimming can be more than a sport — it can be a way to explore the world and our own capabilities. 

From Pool Lanes to Open Horizons

Ben Lane: Guillaume, thank you for joining us. Let’s start at the beginning — how did you get into swimming and what were your early experiences like?

Guillaume Le Loher: I started swimming as a child, mainly in pools. I began competing when I was about twelve or thirteen. Until I was eighteen, everything I did was pool-based — short races, controlled conditions, the usual. But in 2016, I had the chance to try open water swimming for the first time. It was a five-kilometre race in Paris, and after that, I was hooked. The experience was completely different — the sense of freedom, the unpredictability of the environment. It felt like discovering swimming all over again.

After that, I was looking for new challenges. One day, scrolling through Facebook, I saw a post from the French Swimming Federation about the first French Ice Swimming Championships. I didn’t really know what ice swimming was, but I thought, let’s try it! So, I signed up for the 50-metre breaststroke — in water under five degrees! It was completely new to me, but I loved it. 

The Cold Becomes a Calling

Ben: That’s a brave start. What made you continue after that first icy dip?

Guillaume: The next year I wanted to test myself properly, so I entered the one-kilometre event. Again, the water was below five degrees. It was physically hard, but what struck me most was the mental side. After you finish, it’s not over — your body cools rapidly, and you must deal with recovery and hypothermia management. You learn how to respect your limits and understand your body in a new way. I really liked that combination — physical strength, mental focus, and recovery.

That’s when I realised this kind of swimming suited me. It wasn’t only about speed or competition anymore; it was about endurance, mindset, and connecting with the elements. 

Expanding the Horizon

Ben: Once you found open water and ice swimming, where did that take you?

Guillaume: I began entering more events in France, especially in the south, where you can swim in beautiful places that connect rivers and the Mediterranean. Around 2021 I swam my first 10 km event — a four-day challenge that included 10 km, then 5 km, another 5 km, and finally 6 km. I realised I loved not just racing but discovering new landscapes and places through swimming.

Over time, I started travelling abroad — to Romania, Morocco, Poland, and even to both poles: Antarctica and the Arctic. Each trip was a chance to experience a different type of water, a different culture, and to meet other swimmers passionate about the same thing. Swimming became a way to travel, to explore, and to connect. It’s like having a passport that works anywhere there’s water. 

Learning Through Failure

Ben: You mentioned moving into ultra-distance swimming. How did that progression happen?

Guillaume: My longest swim for a long time was 10 km, but I wanted to try something truly long — 30 km or more. My first attempt, in France, didn’t go as planned. The water was about 25 °C, but the air outside dropped suddenly to around 13 °C. The combination was tricky. I couldn’t maintain my body temperature and couldn’t warm up during the swim, even though I was eating and drinking as planned. Eventually, I had to abandon the race. It was very frustrating — physically I could handle the distance, but I wasn’t prepared for how my body would react over that duration.

After that failure, I questioned myself. I thought, if I can’t finish 30 km, how will I manage an ice mile? The distances are different, but the challenges are similar — both push your body to its limits. So, I set out to fix what went wrong. 

Redemption and the Joy of the Ice Mile

Guillaume: The following year I returned to Morocco for the ice mile — 1.6 km in water below five degrees. It’s short, but the intensity is extreme. I succeeded, and it felt incredible. Later, I returned to complete the 33 km challenge I’d failed before. Finishing both those swims gave me confidence again. It reminded me that setbacks are part of the process. You learn more from the swims you fail than the ones you finish easily. 

The Triple Crown Challenge - The Marathon Rives Swim Series

Ben: This year you’ve been taking on the Triple Crown — the long-distance series in France, Spain, and Norway. What’s that experience been like?

Guillaume: It’s been amazing. I wanted to see if I could complete all three events in the same year. Physically, I knew I could swim the distances, but managing recovery and logistics between them was the real test. Each swim has its own challenges — different temperatures, tides, and conditions — but also its own atmosphere.

What I love most is the community around these events. You meet people from everywhere — swimmers, kayakers, organisers — and everyone helps each other. In the water there are no barriers: no hierarchy, no rush. You’re united by the challenge. My friend joined me for parts of the series — sometimes swimming, sometimes kayaking — and that made it even more meaningful. Next year we plan to swap roles: he’ll swim, and I’ll kayak.

 

Overcoming Barriers: Mind and Body

Ben: On a swim as long as the UltraEbre, how do you manage the mental and physical barriers? How do you keep going?

Guillaume: It depends on the day. My friend Jacques, who swam it last year, once told me, “The hardest part isn’t the swim — it’s everything you do before it.” And he’s right. The swim is the gift after all the preparation.

I train all year, both in the pool and open water. Earlier this year my club held a camp in Bulgaria — two sessions a day, morning and afternoon, for a week. It was exhausting, but it builds resilience. During training I use visualization: imagining myself in the race, halfway through, tired but still moving forward. It prepares my mind for the feeling of fatigue, so when it happens in real life, it’s familiar.

When race day comes, I remind myself of everything I’ve done to get there — the training, the travel, the sacrifices. Once you’re in the water, you can’t overthink. You trust your preparation. Sometimes it’s easy; sometimes it’s painful. But I always tell myself: you’ve already done the hard part — now enjoy the swim. 

Swimming as a Way of Living

Ben: It sounds like swimming has become a lifestyle rather than a hobby.

Guillaume: Yes, absolutely. I swim every day — sometimes in a pool, sometimes outside — but it’s more than training now. It’s how I experience the world. I love discovering new places through swimming, meeting people, and sharing the adventure. It’s a good excuse to travel, to connect, to listen, and to learn.

Ben: What are your next goals?

Guillaume: I’m thinking about some channel crossings — maybe Gibraltar, maybe even the North Channel one day. But I don’t rush. Each year brings new opportunities. For now, I just want to keep swimming, exploring, and living these experiences with friends.

Swimming teaches patience, humility, and resilience. It’s not just about medals — it’s about what you discover along the way.

Ben: Guillaume, thank you for sharing your story. It’s been inspiring to hear how you’ve turned swimming into a lifelong journey of discovery.

Guillaume: Thank you. I hope to see you at one of the swims next year — maybe in France or Spain. Swimming brings people together, and that’s the best part.

Guillaume Le Loher is a French open-water and ice swimmer who has competed in events across Europe, Africa, and the polar regions. He recently completed the UltraEbre and the 33 km French ultra-distance challenge and continues to train year-round in both pool and open water.