The water marathon, also known as open water swimming, has its origins in ancient times, when swimming long distances in seas, rivers and lakes was part of everyday life. However, the sport as we know it began to gain popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today you’ll learn more about the sport, as well as who the best water marathon athletes in the world today are!
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Read to the end to find out about the best water marathon athletes in the world today.
Best Water Marathon athletes in the world today: rules, disciplines and curiosities
The sport has become more structured over the years, and the International Swimming Federation (FINA) has started to regulate the water marathon.
A significant milestone was the crossing of the English Channel in 1875 by Captain Matthew Webb, who swam 34 km in around 21 hours.
The sport was incorporated into the Olympic program in 2008, at the Beijing Games, with 10 km races for both men and women.
Rules and disciplines
- Races: the Olympic water marathon is run over a distance of 10 km, but there are other races of 5 km, 25 km and even longer distances in international competitions.
- Percurso: as competições geralmente ocorrem em áopen waters, such as lakes, rivers and seas, on routes marked by buoys.
- Technique: athletes can use any swimming style, but the crawl is the most commonly used due to its efficiency and speed.
- Hydration and food: during the races, athletes can hydrate and feed themselves, normally receiving these items via sticks extended by the technical team or support boats.
- Environmental conditions: water temperature, currents, waves and local fauna can significantly influence the athletes’ performance. Safety conditions are always monitored, and the race can be interrupted if the environment becomes dangerous.
Read to the end to find out about the best water marathon athletes in the world today.
Curiosities
- The first crossing of the English Channel by a woman was made by Gertrude Ederle in 1926, and she broke the male record of the time.
- The sport gained great notoriety when it was introduced to the Olympic program in 2008 with the 10 km races, making it one of the most challenging swimming disciplines.
- In the water marathon, strategy is just as important as physical endurance. Choosing the right moment to sprint and accurately navigating the course are crucial to success.
Read to the end to find out about the best water marathon athletes in the world today.
Best Water Marathon athletes in the world today – Men
Florian Wellbrock
- History: German, born in 1997, Florian Wellbrock is one of the leading names in the water marathon.
- Titles: Olympic champion in the 10km in Tokyo 2020, world champion in 2019 in the 10km and 1500m in the pool.
- Fun facts: Wellbrock is one of the few athletes to win gold in open water and pool swimming at the same world championships.
Read to the end to find out about the best water marathon athletes in the world today.
Gregorio Paltrinieri
- History: Italian, born in 1994, he is known both in swimming pools and water marathons.
- Titles: 1500m gold medalist at the Rio 2016 Olympics and Tokyo 2020 medalist in the aquatic marathon.
- Fun facts: Paltrinieri is famous for his efficient swimming style and for having successfully transitioned to the open water.
Read to the end to find out about the best water marathon athletes in the world today.
Marc-Antoine Olivier
- History: French, born in 1996, is one of the leading competitors in open water.
- Titles: bronze medallist in the 10 km at the 2016 Olympic Games and multiple medallist in world championships.
- Fun facts: Olivier is known for his strategic swimming skills and for maintaining a steady pace in long races.
Read to the end to find out about the best aquatic marathon athletes in the world today.
Kristof Rasovszky
- History: Hungarian, born in 1997, he is one of the promises of the water marathon.
- Titles: European and world champion, silver medalist in the 10 km at Tokyo 2020.
- Fun facts: Rasovszky is famous for his endurance in long-distance races and his refined technique in different water conditions.
Read to the end to find out about the best water marathon athletes in the world today.
Best Water Marathon athletes in the world today – Women
Sharon van Rouwendaal
- History: Dutch, born in 1993, she is one of the greatest athletes in the water marathon.
- Titles: gold in the 10 km at the 2016 Olympics, European and world champion on several occasions.
- Fun facts: Van Rouwendaal is known for her versatility, competing successfully in both open water and swimming pools.
Ana Marcela Cunha
- History: Brazilian, born in 1992, she is a living legend of the aquatic marathon.
- Titles: Olympic champion in the 10km in Tokyo 2020, multiple world champion.
- Fun facts: Ana Marcela is known for her incredible ability to recover and for her mastery of different race conditions.
Ashley Twichell
- History: American, born in 1989, she has been one of the sport’s leading athletes.
- Titles: World Championship medalist and Olympic competitor.
- Fun facts: Twichell began his career in swimming pools before moving to open water, where he stood out for his endurance.
Kareena Lee
- History: Australian, born in 1994, she has been a strong competitor in water marathons.
- Titles: bronze medalist in the 10 km at Tokyo 2020.
- Fun facts: Lee overcame several challenges, including health problems, to become one of the world’s leading athletes.
Did you enjoy reading about the best water marathon athletes in the world today? Then read on:
- 2024 Olympics: meet the biggest names in Water Marathon today
- Water marathon rules: venue, categories and more
- All about the Water Marathon: what it is, history, characteristics and more!
