For the first time, professional mermaids worldwide will meet in Switzerland in May for the inaugural Merlympics. Pine Belt native Emily Shaw will be there representing Mississippi. The competition will test the mermaids’ aerobics and strength underwater.
Events will include a rescue, where the mermaids will swim for 25 meters, retrieve a dummy from the bottom, and bring it to shore safely. There will also be a speed swimming category and an ecology portion where mermaids will see how much trash they can collect from the bottom. Included will be an underwater photo shoot as well.
“You can’t have a mermaid contest without a photo shoot,” laughed Shaw.
But before there was an international competition for mermaids, there were unique employment opportunities. Like any character actor/actress, professional mermaids work at birthday parties and private events or get commissioned by places like The Mississippi Aquarium. Professional mermaids can also find work on film sets and beyond.
“Mermaiding isn’t my full-time job yet,” shared Shaw. “But I hope that it is soon.” In the past, Shaw has worked with Make A Wish, plenty of birthday parties, and even mermaid pageants. But this will be her first athletic competition. “I always knew mermaid was a sport that requires a lot of skill,” shared Shaw. “But, this will be my first actual athletic competition to compete in.”
The enchantment of portraying a mermaid starts early for young girls with a whimsical imagination in the pool. “I’ve been playing mermaids in a pool ever since I could swim,” shared Shaw. “As I got older, I got more into it, and with a little research, I found that you could be a professional mermaid. And some people make professionally made mermaid tails. And I decided that is what I wanted to do.”
The mermaid tales most professionals wear are an investment. Fabric tales are the most obtainable for those starting and come in simple, small, medium, and large sizes—those trying to set themselves apart as professionals go custom with silicone tails. “Silicone custom tails fit your exact measurements,” Shaw shared. “It is like slipping on a perfect glove, made just for you so it doesn’t fall off underwater.” Custom tails can cost thousands of dollars.
The original “Merlympics” was created by Normeth Preglo Parzhuber, Director of the IMSIA (International Mermaid Swimming Instructors Association). This event aims to bring together mermaiding athletes and promote the sport nationally to the Swiss and international public. Furthermore, to develop better relationships with those involved in this activity (associations, schools, practitioners).
Team USA comprises five ladies, including the coach; two are from Louisiana, one is from Texas, and one is from Florida. Emily Shaw is from Mississippi. The team will compete from May 24 to May 25, 2024. Shaw is fundraising to cover her travel costs, like airfare and diving insurance. If you would like to help, you can find her GoFundMe page here.
