Hilma Nalupe
Phillip Seidler recently won his 12th title at the Pupkewitz Jetty Mile annual open-water swimming event in Swakopmund two weeks ago, showcasing the consistency, effort and hard work he has dedicated to the sport over the years.
He first won the competition when he was just 13 years old, a moment that changed his life forever. From then on, Seidler knew he wanted to race in open water and compete on the world stage.
Seidler described the competition conditions as calm, with no wind or waves. The opposite of what he prefers in open-water racing. “I enjoy true open-water conditions with big waves and strong wind, which usually create a stronger current and faster times, perfect for chasing records,” he said.
He further stated that his fast pace from start to finish, as well as his ability to push through pain barriers, gave him the edge. “When the fatigue and muscle pain hit, that’s when I push even harder,” he added.
Seidler also attributed his victory to the intense Olympic-level training he completed ahead of the competition with his mother and coach, Nadja Seidler. He said the training prepared him both physically and mentally for the fierce competition.
To maintain his elite level, Seidler trains approximately eight kilometres every morning and spends two hours in the gym during the evenings.
Recently, Seidler has also shown interest in politics and business. He said this was motivated by starting a sports business with his brother, Daniel Seidler, called Teamflippy Sports and Events. The initiative aims to bring communities together through sport and culture.
“We have seen the impact this has had at the coast, and I believe that through politics I can take that impact to a national level,” he said.
Seidler aspires to one day become the minister of sport and represent athletes in parliament. He hopes to contribute politically to sport development, youth empowerment and community upliftment. Despite his growing involvement in politics and business, Seidler confirmed that he will continue to compete while pursuing these goals.
As the first sportsman to represent Namibia twice at the Olympic Games, Seidler is still aiming for another Olympic appearance at the Los Angeles 2028 Games and remains committed to giving back to his community in various ways.
