Namibian Olympian Phillip Seidler has announced plans to run for the Swakopmund council this year.

Seidler, who represented Namibia at the Tokyo 2020 and 2024 Paris Olympic Games, announced during a recent interview he is seeking election on a Swakopmund Residents Association (SRA) ticket, marking his first official step into politics.

“I was recently in Angola for holidays, but right now I am focused on working on Teamflippy, a timing system for events (app), and I am also trying to get into politics through the Swakopmund Residents Association for the November municipal council elections,” he said.

The long-distance swimmer, known for his endurance in open-water races, says his ambitions go far beyond local governance. 

“I want to make a difference in Swakopmund by taking part in decision-making, and it’s also my dream to one day become the Sports Minister of Namibia,” he added.

He said the decision to enter politics comes from his passion for giving back to the community. 

“It is always a good thing to give back, and joining politics could create or open a proper pathway for us to give back to the community,” he said.

Asked if he would quit sports if elected to a decision-making position, the Swakopmund-born swimmer said: “I will do everything – work in politics, work on Teamflippy Sport and Events, and train for the Olympics. Just sacrifice a bit of sleep. With my body still in good shape, I would be happy to be involved in everything.”

If successful, his election bid will add him to the growing list of athletes worldwide who have transitioned into politics, such as Liberia’s George Weah, the Philippines’ Manny Pacquiao, and Conor McGregor, who announced he will run for president in his home country, Ireland.

-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na