After the end of the 2024 World Aquatics World Cup finale in Saudi Arabia, Ana Marcela Cunha hinted that the end of her professional marathon swimming career may be near.

But on yesterday’s Live do Coach program that is broadcast on the Swim Channel TV platform in Brazil, the 32-year-old Olympic and world champion talked with extraordinaire Alex Pussieldi and announced that she will attempt a solo crossing of the English Channel in 2026.

She has earned podium positions at 81 different elite races (40 gold + 20 silver + 21 bronze) throughout her 18-year career at the Olympics, World Championships, World Cup circuit, and Grand Prix circuits during her career that has taken her to Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East and Europe, competing in every possible condition and situations.

But she has never attempted an Oceans Seven channel crossing like the English Channel.

She certainly has the requisite speed and stamina, and has always been able to acclimate to any conditions.

“It is great to see such an accomplished racer and competitor like Ana Marcela attempt the iconic English Channel,” says Steven Munatones. “She never backed down from any challenge and has traveled the world since she was 14 always motivated to see what she can do in the open water. Now 32 with a lifetime of open water swimming experiences under her cap, she is adding to her focus a solo channel crossing. It will be great to see the conditions she will receive and what she can do under those conditions.”

Stay tuned in 2026.

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