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Bay Area mother, daughter training for 2025 Merlympics

By Barry Wong
Published  February 6, 2025 3:13pm EST
We Live Here
FOX 13 News

Training for the Mermaid Olympics

FOX 13 Photojournalist Barry Wong highlights Mandy Walker and her daughter, Ella, who are busy training for the 2025 Merlympics. The Merlympics are the international Olympics for mermaids, which tests all kinds of physical and mental skills and abilities.

The Brief

    • Mandy Walker and her daughter, Ella, are busy training for the 2025 Merlympics.
    • It's the international Olympics for mermaids, which tests all kinds of physical and mental skills and abilities.
    • Ella is one of four mermaids participating from the U.S. and will compete in March while Mandy is expected to compete in May in Germany.

CLEARWATER, Fla. - For two days a week, Mandy Walker and her 11-year-old daughter Ella are practicing for the 2025 Merlympics. 

Yes, it’s the international Olympics for mermaids. Competitors wear tails, but the events test all kinds of physical and mental skills and abilities. 

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"We race. We are tested for agility, pose, practice, mermaid skills at the advanced level, safety drills, underwater rescues, as well as conservation efforts," Mandy Walker explained. 

Dig deeper:

Mermaids wear a monofin, which binds their feet. On top is a skin, which is the fabric that changes their looks and gives off the mermaid vibe. For Ella Walker, putting on the tail is her favorite part. 

"The fin kind of makes you drag a little, so it's heavier," she said. "I'm most nervous about the rescue."

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The water rescue involves the competitor rescuing a sinking body, getting it to the surface and carrying it to safety. 

"It's hard when you have to hook them and take all of your weight on your back," Ella Walker said. "It's intense."

Big picture view:

Ella Walker is one of only four mermaids in the entire country participating and the lone Florida competitor. Her competition is in March. Mandy Walker will compete in Germany in May. 

While not training for the Merlympics, she’s a certified PADI (Professional Association of DIVE Instructors) mermaid trainer and professional mermaid performer. 

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"As a mother, this has been an absolutely incredible journey with Ella. We have created this special, magical bond," Mandy Walker said. 

For Ella Walker, who’s been swimming since she was a baby, she’s enjoying the experience as she prepares to represent her country. 

"It's fun, and it's like you're in a fantasy world," she said. "It makes me feel like I'm very special." 

In addition to training, the Walkers are focused on fundraising and finding sponsors for their journey to the Merlympics. For more information, visit mermandy.com.

The Source: The information in this story was gathered through interviews with Mandy and Ella Walker. 

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