Water marathoning in Brazil took its first steps back in the 1950s, with races organized in open water, mainly in rivers and lakes, in a country with vast territorial extension and abundant natural resources. Today you’re going to learn more about the sport in our country, as well as meet the best water marathon athletes in Brazil today.
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Read on to find out about the best water marathon athletes in Brazil today.
Best Water Marathon athletes in Brazil today: rules, disciplines and curiosities
The first big boost came with the creation of the Brazilian Water Marathon Cup in 1993, organized by the Brazilian Water Sports Confederation (CBDA).
This event allowed athletes to take part in various races throughout the year, helping to popularize the aquatic marathon on the national scene.
In 2008, the inclusion of the water marathon in the Beijing Olympic Games program solidified the importance of the sport in Brazil, culminating in the preparation of athletes to compete in international events and win medals for the country.
With Ana Marcela Cunha’s victory in several world championships, the sport has gained even more visibility and prestige.
Read on to find out about the best water marathon athletes in Brazil today.
The rules
- Distance: official water marathon races range from 5 km to 25 km, with the 10 km race being the most common in international competitions, including the Olympics.
- Course: the races are usually held in natural environments such as rivers, lakes and seas. The course is marked out by buoys and is monitored to ensure the swimmers’ safety.
- Equipment: Athletes wear standard swimsuits, goggles and may use caps for thermal protection in cold water. The use of wetsuits may be permitted in very cold water conditions.
- Hydration and nutrition: during the race, athletes can feed and hydrate themselves, generally using techniques that minimize the impact on their swimming speed and rhythm.
- Safety: the presence of support boats and rescue teams is mandatory to ensure the safety of swimmers, especially in adverse conditions.
Read on to find out about the best water marathon athletes in Brazil today.
Curiosities
- Brazil is one of the few countries with favorable natural conditions for water marathon training all year round, thanks to its tropical climate and vast coastline.
- Water marathon races require not only physical endurance, but also navigation and positioning strategies to take advantage of currents and avoid collisions with other competitors.
- The aquatic marathon is one of the most challenging swimming events, requiring athletes to have mental stamina, concentration and intense physical preparation.
Read on to find out about the best water marathon athletes in Brazil today.
Best Water Marathon athletes in Brazil today – Men
Allan do Carmo
- History: Born in Bahia in 1989, he is one of the leading names in the Brazilian water marathon.
- Titles: World champion in circuit races and medalist at the Pan American Games.
- Fun facts: Allan is known for his endurance and ability to recover in long races, as well as being one of the first Brazilians to excel internationally in the sport.
Victor Colonese
- History: born in 1992, Colonese was born in Salvador and began to make a name for himself at a young age.
- Titles: South American champion and constant presence in high-level international competitions.
- Fun facts: Colonese is known for his fast swimming style and for competing in both open water and swimming pools.
Read on to find out about the best water marathon athletes in Brazil today.
Diogo Villarinho
- History: Born in Minas Gerais in 1994, Villarinho made a name for himself early on in swimming, moving on to the aquatic marathon.
- Titles: medalist at the Pan-American Games and at stages of the World Circuit.
- Fun facts: Diogo is known for his skill in long-distance races and for his consistent performance in open water.
Fernando Ponte
- History: Born in Rio Grande do Sul in 1992, he is one of Brazil’s leading water marathon athletes.
- Titles: medalist in Brazilian and South American championships.
- Fun facts: Ponte is known for his competitive spirit and determination in international competitions.
Read on to find out about the best water marathon athletes in Brazil today.
Best Water Marathon athletes in Brazil today – Women
Ana Marcela Cunha
- History: Born in 1992 in Salvador, Ana Marcela began swimming competitively as a child.
- Titles: Olympic champion at Tokyo 2020, multiple world champion and voted best open water athlete by FINA several times.
- Fun facts: Ana Marcela is a sporting icon in Brazil, known for her impeccable technique and for being one of the greatest water marathon runners of all time.
Viviane Jungblut
- History: born in Porto Alegre in 1996, she began to make a name for herself on the national scene at a young age.
- Titles: medallist in South American championships and a constant presence in international competitions.
- Fun facts: Viviane competes in both aquatic marathons and pool races, demonstrating her versatility.
Betina Lorscheitter
- History: Born in Rio Grande do Sul in 1990, Betina is an experienced athlete on the open water scene.
- Titles: medalist in national and South American competitions.
- Fun facts: Known for her endurance and determination, Betina has been a constant figure in the Brazilian water marathon team.
Gabriela Cordeiro
- History: Born in 1995, Gabriela began competing at a young age and quickly made a name for herself.
- Titles: medallist in national competitions and competitor in stages of the World Circuit.
- Fun facts: Gabriela is known for her ability to adapt to different water and weather conditions, which is crucial in water marathon competitions.
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