Courtesy of WOWSA, Maratón Acuática Internacional Santa Fe – Coronda, Argentina.

Vanesa García grew up dreaming of competing in the Maratón Acuática Internacional Santa Fe – Coronda in her native Argentina.

“For me, the Santa Fe – Coronda race is a very important competition. It was my first international competition.

When I was a young girl, I used to swim in the local races and on the Argentine circuits. I always dreamed of swimming the Santa Fe – Coronda race. I remember always getting excited when I get to Coronda when I played around the buoys and pontoon.

It was always a dream. I am [now] proud to have achieved it [seven] times. The color of the spectators in the race is incredible; people follow me and support me throughout the year. I think people know that I’m a swimmer who has endured a lot [during the races] and never give up.”

The 32-year-old swimmer who has the longest tenure on the FINA Open Water Swimming Grand Prix among all the current participants continues to do double workouts and dryland training. “For this race, I hope to continue to score [Grand Prix] points and complete all the competitions.

Each of my seven races [here] have been different. The competitors change and the women’s level is very strong with many Olympic swimmers participating. I do not think that any swimmer with open water dreams should miss the Santa Fe – Coronda race. I am always proud to represent Santa Fe, my province and my country.”

García ended up finishing her last her Santa Fe – Coronda race in 12th in a final time of 10 hours 15 minutes.

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