Refections Interview – François Peyrot, Long-Distance Open Water Swimmer

Interview by Grégory Lécrevisse

Watch the whole interview in that VIDEO. (in French)

Greg: Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your background in long-distance swimming?

François: My name is François. I’m French, I live in Carcassonne, and I’m a veterinarian. Swimming is mainly something I do to relax, to disconnect from work and daily life.

I started swimming when I was young, like most people, but I stopped around the age of 16. At the time, too much was being asked of me, and I lost the enjoyment. Years later, after an accident — I was about 44 — instead of doing traditional rehabilitation, I decided to get back into swimming.

I joined a triathlon club because I knew some people there and liked the atmosphere. One day, someone mentioned a 5 km race in Marseille. I thought, “Why not?” That’s how it started. Step by step, I returned to open water swimming. Pool races didn’t really interest me, but open water did.

How did you discover long-distance events and, in particular, UltraEbre?

A friend from the triathlon club told me about a race in Spain, UltraEbre. He was signing up and asked if I wanted to come along. I said yes.

Since then, I’ve come back regularly. I think I’ve completed it eight times. Every year, when I get out of the water, I tell myself, “Never again.” And the next day, I register again. It’s become a habit.

If I can, I’ll be back again this year.

Did you take part in other events to prepare for UltraEbre?

I wouldn’t really say I “prepare” in a structured way. I mostly choose events that I enjoy.

I’ve done the Monte Cristo Challenge in Marseille several times, and for about ten years I participated in almost all the Marnaton events. I’ve also completed several crossings:
– twice across the Strait of Gibraltar,
– from Corsica to Sardinia,
– and more recently from the island of Rhodes to Turkey.

These are more about crossings than competition. I choose places where you can really enjoy the experience rather than chase performance.

How do you prepare physically and mentally for such long swims?

Honestly, I don’t really prepare in a specific way. I swim regularly whenever I can, depending on work. Often during my lunch break. If possible, four or five times a week.

The first year I did UltraEbre with my friend, we tried to follow a more structured training plan. But I quickly realized that swimming regularly and staying fit was enough for me.

On race day, the idea is simple: start at point A, reach point B, and try to feel good in the water. My preparation is really continuous, built over many years rather than specific training cycles.

So if someone told you tomorrow that you had to swim UltraEbre in two months, you’d be ready?

Yes. If you told me UltraEbre was tomorrow, I’d go. I’d finish it or I wouldn’t, but I wouldn’t need any special preparation.

I don’t follow a structured training plan. A lot of it is mental.

What motivates you to keep coming back to these long events?

The mindset, above all. The desire to swim, to step away from everyday life, to do something different.

At UltraEbre, there’s also a great organization and a relaxed atmosphere. During a long swim, you think about many other things — you really disconnect.

And of course, there’s also the simple pleasure of swimming… and the small beer at the finish line helps too.

Your approach to performance seems very relaxed

Yes, because if you prepare too much, you arrive stressed. You start wondering whether you’re ready or not.

My approach is to go in without pressure. I try. If I succeed, great. If I don’t, that’s okay too. The most important thing is enjoying it.

What are your plans for the 2026 season?

Nothing very specific yet. It depends a lot on work and availability — I work one weekend out of two, so the dates have to line up.

UltraEbre is always on my radar, especially since it usually falls on weekends when I’m free. I’d also like to do the Flow des Gabarriers, which I’ve been hearing about for a few years now.

What I’m really looking for are events with a good atmosphere, where competition isn’t the main focus.

Why do you often choose events in Spain and Southern Europe?

Mostly because of the mindset. In Spain, whether you’re fast or slow, everyone enjoys themselves. There’s much less pressure and less obsession with competition.

I really felt that during Marnaton and UltraEbre. The organizations are excellent, the atmosphere is friendly, and it fits perfectly with my vision of open water swimming.

Any final words?

I just hope I can keep swimming for as long as possible. Finding events with a good atmosphere, where the focus is on enjoyment.

As long as I can get in the water, start from point A and reach point B without stress and with a smile, that’s all that matters.

You can also watch the interview in that LINK.