Romy Sweda
Name: Romy Sweda
Date of birth: 1991
Nationality: Austria
Paraglider: OMEGA ULS, PI ULS
Harness: STRAPLESS, WEIGHTLESS
Flies since: 2022
ABOUT
Romy Sweda grew up in Austria until she moved to Switzerland at the end of 2017. Since she started paragliding in 2022, she loves to spend every free moment in the air. Whether it's hike & fly, cross-country flying or practising acrobatic manoeuvres in between. Alongside her job as a medical doctor, she may not have as much time for it as she would like, but that only makes the hours she does have all the more precious. Her current focus is on hike & fly, where she has enjoyed many wonderful successes since her first race in 2024. She never ceases to be fascinated by the possibilities that a piece of fabric and a backpack can offer.
INTERVIEW
DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST FLIGHT? HOW WAS IT?
Yes, but I remember my first thermal flight shortly afterwards even more vividly… They told me it would be the last flight of the day, so I wanted to stay in the air as long as possible. I’ll never forget those moments when I managed to climb for the first time, the horizon widening with every turn, and then soaring between the clouds above the surrounding mountain peaks. To bring me back down, my instructor even let me try spiraling for the first time. The G-forces I felt during that maneuver were an incredible sensation in themselves. I had already enjoyed every glide before that, but after this flight, paragliding had truly captured my heart.
WHat special MOMENTs DO YOU FLY for?
There are simply too many of those moments to name just one. Taking off after a hike and flying straight into the sky is beautiful every single time. Landing high up in the mountains in the evening and soaking in the last rays of sunlight, while the valley below is already in shadow – that, too, is something special. But also, on long cross-country flights, gliding out after a full day in the air... or flying with good friends, with birds, between clouds or above a sea of fog – those are moments that never lose their magic.
YOUR THREE TOP FLYING AREAS?
Bernese Oberland, Valais, the valley of Engelberg
WHAT ARE YOU DOING ON A DAY THAT IS NOT FLYABLE?
It’s (almost) always flyable somewhere. And if not, I still love being out and about.
MOST IMPORTANT PARAGLIDING SUCCESSES?
Winner of the Swiss Cup Hike & Fly 2024 & 2025 woman’s category, Swiss Champion Hike & Fly 2025, as well as victories in the women's category in many other Hike & Fly races, such as the Eigertour 2025.
WHY DO YOU FLY FOR ADVANCE?
Because Advance combines top quality, excellent handling, and appealing aesthetics. My very first training wing was a Pi 3, and from the very first moment, I simply felt great flying it.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD?
There are plenty of those, too. But after a tough climb to a summit with a view, everything just tastes twice as good!
WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO LIFE?
Be grateful and always make the best of what you have.
Romys equipment
