Before every Traversée internationale du lac St-Jean in Canada, there is a large community meal along the Loto-Québec and a parade featuring the participating marathon swimmers (see below).

This July, Rita Vanesa Garcia, a 39-year-old professional marathon swimmer from Santa Fe, Argentina, will take part in her 14th meal, her 14th parade, and race in her 14th Traversée in Quebec, the 69th edition of the famed 32 km lake crossing.

“I am training for Canada for my 14th Traversée. The sport of marathon swimming has given me more than I thought possible. I am super grateful for all these opportunities and experiences in addition to giving me tools for life. My passion for swimming was what took me so many years to be able to compete among the best in the world.”

Garcia has swum among the most number of hours across the famed Canadian lake.

For more information on the Traversée, visit traversee.qc.ca.

In addition to her participation on the professional circuit, the 39-year-old works in her city’s Legislature while also participating in 10 57 km Maratón Acuática Internacional Santa Fe – Coronda, four 88 km Maratón Internacional Hernandarias – Paraná, and twelve 36 km Maratona del Golfo Capri-Napoli over the course of her long career.

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