Britta Kamrau, an intense athlete and intellectual from Germany, won over 25 FINA World Cup and Grand Prix races over the course of her International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame career.

In oceans, lakes, rivers and bays on five continents, she mixed it up with the best and won many closely fought, marathon races.

Britta swam through squalls and had her bouts with cold water. From 2003 – 2007, she reached her peak and proved herself extremely versatile as a frequent podium visitor in the 5K, 10K and 25K distances at the world championships and European championships. Britta, armed with a quick smile, kind word and sharp mind, is now studying to be a judge in her native Germany.

Her analytical approach to training and racing now has its career applications on terra firma. Her tactical nature used in racing and her tough-as-nails approach in all kinds of conditions and competitions will be useful in her new field of law.

Britta’s recollections of her most difficult and competitive races are engaging and entertaining – an Open Water Wednesday interview that highlights her successes at the highest echelon of elite open water swimming.

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