SPMS January Swimmer of the Month--Klara Phillips

Where are you originally from?

I was born in Czechoslovakia — a country that doesn’t exist anymore. It’s the Czech Republic now, but I like to think of myself as vintage.

Where is one place that you want to travel to that you haven't been to yet and why? Where are you originally from?

Anywhere with open water or a good hiking trail. I’m not picky — if I can swim in it or climb it, I’m happy.

What's your favorite food/dessert?

After swim, pretty much everything tastes awesome to me:)  Also I enjoy any food that I don’t have to cook!  Dessert? Ice cream, I pick those calories over any other!

What's your favorite quote?

I don’t have a personal quote, but I’m a big fan of the wisdom on the Milt & Edie’s Drycleaners billboard in Toluca Lake. Inspirational messages and clean clothes — good combo.

When did you start swimming and what got you into swimming?

February 6th, 2019. I dragged myself to the pool to recover from a brutal bootcamp workout. I could barely swim freestyle, but something in me said, “I want to do this again.” So I started going three times a week, got a smartwatch, binged YouTube coaches… and boom: midlife crisis officially activated.

What are your goals for swimming in 2026?

This will be my third year doing the 10K Swim for Mental Health at Torrance Beach. My first year I did 5K, last year I survived the full 10K in four hours. This year? I’m aiming to shave off a few minutes — or at least not add any:)

What's your favorite part about swimming with BAM?

Everyone is CHILL:) no stress no drama.