Tanya Gist
WHO AM I ??
I’m Tanya Gist, a 41-year-old open water swimmer, swim coach at The Fast Lane, and the Western Cape stockist for Mad Wave.
Most days you’ll find me somewhere between a swimming pool, the ocean, and a boot full of swim gear. If there’s water involved, chances are I’m interested.
MY GOALS:
My next big goal is to complete the West Coast Angle — an 18km swim from Big Bay to Robben Island and then on to Melkbosstrand.
But the swim itself is only part of the goal. More importantly, I want to inspire the swimmers I coach to chase their own “impossible.” Whether that’s their first kilometre, their first open water race, or an epic marathon swim, I want people to realise that age is just a number and limits are often self-imposed. Incredible things happen when you back yourself.
WHAT IS MY WHY??
When I moved to Cape Town in 2020, I discovered something I hadn’t expected: a genuine passion for coaching.
It took a few career changes (some more successful than others!) to realise that my happiest place isn’t just in the water—it’s helping other people achieve things they never thought they could.
Watching someone conquer a fear, swim further than they believed possible, or simply leave a session with a little more confidence is what gets me out of bed every morning.
I’m incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by some of the most inspiring humans I know, and they continually remind me that growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones.
There’s a saying: “Choose a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” While coaching certainly has its challenges, I honestly can’t imagine doing anything else. If I can help one person discover just how capable they really are, then every early morning, every cold swim, and every kilometre is worth it.
