The aquatic marathon is a sport of swimming that takes place in open water. It can be contested in seas, lakes or rivers. The course that the swimmer must complete is usually a long distance, often covering 10 kilometers or more. In this article, we’ll tell you more about the sport, as well as introducing you to the biggest names in water marathon today!
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Read on to find out who the biggest names in water marathon today are!
Biggest names in Water Marathon today: historical context
The aquatic marathon is a form of open water swimming that involves long distances, usually in seas, rivers or lakes.
Its origins can be traced back to the 19th century, when swimmers began to challenge long distances in natural waters.
The modern water marathon gained popularity with iconic events such as the Channel crossing.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in water marathon today are!
The International Swimming Federation (FINA) made the sport official in 1991, and the water marathon debuted at the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008, with 10 km races for men and women.
The aquatic marathon became the most recent swimming discipline to be included in the Olympic program when the 10 km race was introduced at the Beijing Games in 2008.
Due to its short history, few National Olympic Committees and athletes have had the opportunity to excel in this discipline.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in water marathon today are!
lthough some athletes focus exclusively on the aquatic marathon, others also specialize in pool swimming events, especially freestyle, becoming highly competitive swimmers.
An excellent example is Tunisian Oussama Mellouli, who won the gold medal in the men’s 1,500-meter freestyle at Beijing 2008 and, four years later, claimed victory in the men’s aquatic marathon at London 2012.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in water marathon today are!
Biggest names in Water Marathon today: rules
The aquatic marathon takes place in open water environments such as seas, rivers and lakes.
Competitors must complete a 10 km course, which takes almost two hours to complete, testing their endurance, physical effort and mental strength.
The ability to adapt is equally important, as the tides and currents can change rapidly, requiring athletes to adjust their strategies.
Using the right tactics for the course and the conditions at the time is therefore crucial.
In the last 3 km, swimmers start to increase the pace towards the finish line – the way they manage their effort becomes crucial, determining the final result.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in water marathon today are!
Rules at a glance
- Distance: Water marathon races vary in distance, the most common being 10 km.
- Course: usually held in open water, the course is marked by buoys and swimmers must follow a specific route.
- Equipment: swimmers wear regulation swimsuits and may wear goggles and a cap. The use of neoprene suits is permitted in temperatures below 20°C.
- Food and hydration: allowed during the race, usually provided by support boats.
- Rules of conduct: swimmers must follow the rules of fair play, without obstructing or harming other competitors. Infractions may result in penalties or disqualification.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in water marathon today are!
Biggest names in Water Marathon today (Men – World)
Florian Wellbrock (Germany)
Olympic and world champion, Wellbrock is one of the most dominant swimmers in the water marathon.
Gregorio Paltrinieri (Italy)
Known as much for his achievements in the pool as in open water, Paltrinieri is a constant presence on the podium.
Kristóf Rasovszky (Hungary)
One of the world’s leading marathon swimmers, Rasovszky has excelled in international competitions.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in water marathon today are!
Biggest names in Water Marathon today (Men – Brazil)
Allan do Carmo
A veteran of the Brazilian water marathon, Allan has represented the country in several international competitions, including the Olympic Games.
Diogo Villarinho
A young talent who has shown consistency and good results in international events.
Biggest names in Water Marathon today (Female – World)
Ana Marcela Cunha (Brazil)
A multiple world champion and Olympic medalist, Ana Marcela is one of the greatest marathon swimmers in history.
Sharon van Rouwendaal (Netherlands)
Olympic and world champion, Sharon is known for her endurance and skill in open water.
Rachele Bruni (Italy)
Bruni has been a constant figure at the top of the rankings in international competitions.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in water marathon today are!
Biggest names in Water Marathon today (Female – Brazil)
Ana Marcela Cunha
As well as being one of the greatest in the world, Ana Marcela is the main Brazilian representative in the water marathon.
Viviane Jungblut
Another talented Brazilian swimmer, Viviane has shown great skills in open water races.
Which athletes have a chance of medaling at the 2024 Olympic Games?
For the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, some athletes stand out as strong medal candidates:
- Florian Wellbrock and Gregorio Paltrinieri: both are favorites in the men’s field, with a history of winning major competitions.
- Ana Marcela Cunha and Sharon van Rouwendaal: in the women’s field, these two swimmers have a great chance of winning medals, given their experience and success in previous competitions.
The aquatic marathon is a test of endurance, strategy and skill, with a rich history and growing popularity.
With its origins in the epic crossings of centuries gone by, it has evolved into a highly competitive and exciting sport.
At the 2024 Olympic Games, the world will see the elite of the water marathon in action, with athletes such as Ana Marcela Cunha and Florian Wellbrock ready to leave their mark on the history of the sport.
Brazil, with its emerging and established talents, promises to be a strong contender in the waters of Paris!
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