Who is Amber Fillary – The Woman Who Made Guinness World Record Twice

Amber Fillary, a swimmer from South Africa, has set a new Guinness World Record by swimming a distance of 295 feet and three inches under the ice.

Last week, A South African woman named Amber Fillary bagged the Guinness World Record for the second time by swimming a distance of 295 feet and three inches under the ice. While speaking to Daily Maverick, the woman said, “I am adapted to the cold, so I don’t even get brain freeze anymore. As soon as I get in and start swimming, all my anxiety disappears. Then I am somewhere in my head counting strokes. It was a great swim. I had a lot of air left and I could have done more!.”

She completed this stunt in Kongsberg and did not use any fins or a diving suit. Taking to her Instagram handle, the woman shared images of swimming in the ice. In the caption, she wrote, “Record day tomorrow !!! Wish me luck. And please if you are able make a contribution to my crowdfunding I would really really appreciate it. Thank you everyone that has contributed.”

Amber has been training for several months with coaches in South Africa. She has learnt free-diving techniques and breath-holding before attempting this stunt. She has even worked upon acclimatising to the cold.

She used to work as a lifeguard at a double Olympics-sized outdoor pool in London a decade ago. That’s when her love of cold water and freediving started. According to a report, she has struggled with anorexia, bulimia and depression. She even tried to commit suicide on several occasions but she met some wonderful people in her life who motivated her to reach her goal. She started swimming to keep all the negative thoughts at bay. Therefore, she wants to spread an important message.  “Don’t let depression or addiction get in the way of your life’s goals.”