Beneath The Surface Of Masters: Kasia Kasza

The Masters Hub continues to look deeper into the lives and personalities at the heart of the UK Masters community through our ‘Beneath The Surface’ feature.

Look out for video interviews as well as some fantastic underwater photos courtesy of GB Swimstars.

Our seventh feature is with 31-year old yoga lover Kasia Kasza. She was a regular swimmer growing up but only re-started the sport a year ago with Atherton & Leigh Masters Swimming Club. She hasn’t looked back since and is embracing the Masters lifestyle, taking up open water swimming and setting her sights on competing in triathlons.

Why did you get involved with Masters swimming?

Actually, it was because I was bored! I only had work and I didn’t have anything else to do. I realised at some point that there must be something out there so last year I just joined a club.

Were you a good swimmer already?

Well I started as kid when I was about seven or eight – my parents took me to the swimming pool and I stayed for many years, I think 15 altogether. I finished when I went to uni then I got married and came over here and had stopped swimming for a couple of years.

What was it like joining a Masters club?

It’s been great. It was the best thing I did last year actually and I’m still really enjoying it. It’s not just about the social side for me – I just love being in the water every week.

Do you compete much?

I’ve competed about five or six times so far so I’m doing it quite regularly. There are plenty of events where I live so I’m trying to pick a few. But I’ve also started a few other activities because of Masters swimming. I’m running and I’m thinking about starting to compete in triathlons. Swimming is the basis for now though. When I was younger, I swam short distances but now I’m trying to do longer distances and I started open water swimming last year as well.

What has been your favourite meet so far?

The Cheshire Masters in Macclesfield.

What is your highest achievement in Masters swimming?

Two first places and one second place in the Lancashire Spring Masters Meet in April 2014 at Blackpool.

What do you do away from swimming?

In my spare time, I’m working towards a degree and I am a poolside assistant at my club. I’m aiming to qualify as a coach soon as well. I also do yoga and am currently training for a half marathon. My home life consists of my husband, my daughter and my dog and parakeet! The rest of my family live in Poland.

How often do you swim with your Masters club?

I’m trying to do it at least once a week but it goes up to a maximum of four times a week in the water. It’s goes well with my running as well because it’s a different type of activity. When you run you’re using your legs and when you swim, it’s more your arms so it’s a good balance.

What do you love about swimming?

The sound the water makes when I’m the only one in the pool – usually I’m the first one in the pool in the morning and the last one out at the end of the day!

What do you hate about swimming?

How can you hate swimming?!

What are you most proud of in the water?

That I have never given up!

What are you most proud of out of the water?

I’ve still got the will and energy to learn and pass my knowledge on to others.

• Click here to find out how you can get involved with Masters swimming.