It was announced yesterday that world 10 km marathon swimming champion Poliana Okimoto won Brazil’s Top Athlete of the Year.

The “Premio Brasil Olimpico” is the most prestigious sports award in Brazil and means a lot not only to Okimoto, but also helps elevate the entire sport of open water swimming in Brazil.

“This award by the Brazilian Olympic Committee means so much to us,” said the 30-year-old pool swimmer-turned-open water specialist. “We work so hard every day and our lifestyle is difficult because we train so much.”

Copyright © 2013 by World Open Water Swimming Association