Steven Minotonis introduces open water swimming and his background, along with various types and demographics of swimmers.

Introduction to Open Water Swimming

Overview of training methods for open water swimmers, feeding techniques during races, and stroke mechanics essential for success.

Training and Feeding Techniques

Discussion on adapting swimming techniques for various water conditions and an overview of equipment used in competitions.

Swimming Conditions and Equipment

Explores the mental focus required for long-distance swimming and analyzes race strategies, including pack dynamics and feeding stations.

Mindset and Race Strategies

Introduces the Olympic 10K Marathon Swim events, challenges like strong currents, and regulations governing the races.

Race Overview and Challenges

Describes the close finishes of both men's and women's races, including controversial disqualifications and their implications.

Dramatic Race Finishes

Discusses training specific to open water conditions, risks associated with warm water swimming, and the importance of inclusivity in events.

Training, Risks, and Inclusivity

Insights into officiating standards, safety measures, and the importance of educating swimmers and officials for safer competitions.

Officiating and Safety in Open Water

Focus on supporting organizations and individuals in open water swimming and closing remarks encouraging community involvement.

Coaching and Community Engagement

# Open Water Swimming Insights with Steven Minotonis

Welcome to our latest edition of the Open Water Swimming Newsletter! In this issue, we dive deeper into the world of open water swimming, guided by the expertise of Steven Minotonis, a seasoned coach and swimmer with an impressive background.

## Meet Steven Minotonis

- **Age**: 62
- **Location**: Huntington Beach, California
- **Experience**: 
  - Coach for 9 US Olympic teams
  - Announcer for the online coverage of the Beijing Olympics 10K swim
  - Author of several books on open water swimming translated into multiple languages

Steven has transitioned from pool swimming to open water swimming, gaining vast experience in various aquatic environments, from oceans to lakes. His mission is to share his knowledge and experiences, and he does so through his blog, *The Daily News of Open Water Swimming*, which features over 21,000 articles, and *Open Waterpedia*, a comprehensive resource dedicated to open water swimming.

## What is Open Water Swimming?

Open water swimming refers to swimming in natural bodies of water, such as oceans, lakes, rivers, and bays, as opposed to swimming in a pool. The range of open water swims varies significantly:

- **Short swims**: As short as 25 meters
- **Long swims**: Over 80 kilometers

### Types of Open Water Swimming

- **Competitive swimming**: Olympic marathon swims and professional races
- **Recreational swimming**: Enjoyed by triathletes and casual swimmers
- **Specialized categories**: 
  - Ice swimming
  - Winter swimming
  - Channel swimming
  - Wild swimming
  - Para swimming

In the United States alone, there are approximately **1.2 million recreational and triathlete swimmers**, alongside competitive age group swimmers and elite professionals.

## Training for Open Water Swimming

Training for open water swimming is multifaceted and involves several components:

1. **Base Training**: Traditional distance workouts, often done in a pool.
2. **Speed Training**: Essential for competitive swimmers to build sprinting ability for the end of races.
3. **Distance Tolerance**: Training at least 60% of the race distance to build endurance.
4. **Specific Race Training**: Includes pacing, feeding strategies, and positioning relative to competitors.
5. **Open Water Acclimatization**: Comfort with varying temperatures, waves, and aquatic life.

### Key Points for Coaches

- **New Swimmers**: Focus on finishing the race.
- **Intermediate Swimmers**: Teach swimming straight and optimal techniques.
- **Experienced Swimmers**: Strategies for winning races, including drafting and understanding competitors.

### Nutrition During Races

Proper nutrition and hydration during long races are crucial. Swimmers must learn to feed efficiently while maintaining speed.

## The Evolution of Open Water Swimming

Open water swimming continues to break boundaries, showcasing human potential. Athletes are achieving feats previously thought impossible, such as:

- Swimming in extreme cold, like Lewis Pugh in Antarctica
- Competing in icy conditions, demonstrating resilience and determination

### Inspiring Stories

- **Martin van der Rijschen**: Overcame leukemia to become the Olympic champion in the 10K marathon swim.
- **Natalie Detoit**: A para swimmer who qualified for the Olympic 10K marathon swim, challenging perceptions of ability and determination.

## Equipment Used in Open Water Swimming

Equipment can vary significantly from pool swimming:

- Standard swimsuits (Speedo briefs, one-piece suits)
- Full-body suits for elite competition, adhering to FINA regulations

### Race Strategies

At competitive events, swimmers employ various strategies at the start, including:

- Aggressive starts to gain an early lead
- Waiting to draft off faster swimmers for energy conservation

## Open Water Race Dynamics

In open water swimming, the dynamics of racing differ significantly from pool competitions. Here are some key aspects:

### Swimsuits

- **Tech Suits**: Elite swimmers use specialized suits designed for optimal hydrodynamics. Men’s and women’s suits differ slightly in design, enhancing performance.

### Feeding Stations

- Coaches use feeding sticks to provide hydration and nutrition to athletes during races. The colorful poles help swimmers identify their coaches amidst the chaos.

### Race Mindset

- Open water swimmers must adopt a focused and intense mindset, particularly for longer races like the 5K, 10K, or even 25K swims. This mental preparation is crucial for success.

### The Olympic 10K Marathon Swim

- This event has been held in various cities, including Beijing, London, Rio, Tokyo, and will be in Paris. The unique conditions of each location, such as currents in rivers or waves in oceans, significantly impact race strategies.

### Strategic Swimming

- Swimmers often form packs to conserve energy, similar to tactics seen in cycling races. However, individual strategies can also shine through, as demonstrated by Jared Port in Rio, who took an early lead.

### Race Regulations

- Officials monitor for infractions such as impeding and unsportsmanlike conduct, ensuring fair play throughout the competition.

## Controversies and Safety in Open Water Swimming

### Disqualification Issues

A recent controversy arose regarding the disqualification of an Olympic female swimmer, which sparked debate within the community. The decision to disqualify was based on a situation that many swimmers might have found themselves in under similar circumstances. The lane lines were not optimally placed, leading to an unfortunate incident. While the ruling was controversial, it highlighted the need for clear regulations and the importance of fair play in competitive swimming.

### Pre-Qualification for Swimmers

In recreational settings, swimmers may be required to demonstrate their competency before entering certain races, especially in ocean conditions. This pre-test can involve swimming a specific distance within a set time to ensure safety. Additionally, innovations like toe floats, which provide extra support for less experienced swimmers, are becoming increasingly popular.

### Warm Water Risks

Interestingly, warm water poses unique risks, leading to more fatalities than cold water. Swimmers transitioning from colder climates to warmer waters may experience overheating, which can lead to serious health issues. It's crucial for all swimmers to be prepared for the conditions they will face, whether in warm or cold waters.

### Safety Measures

In open water events, safety is paramount. Race officials and safety personnel play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of all participants. This includes having kayakers and lifeguards on hand to assist swimmers in distress. Clear communication and training for these safety personnel are essential to creating a safe environment for all competitors.

## Conclusion

Open water swimming is a dynamic and evolving sport that pushes the limits of human endurance and capability. With expert guidance from coaches like Steven Minotonis, swimmers can learn the nuances of training, nutrition, and race strategy to excel in this exhilarating discipline.

We hope to see you again at [wafsu.org](https://wafsu.org) and the International Swim Coaches Association events soon. Stay tuned for new exciting services coming at [ago.lap.red](https://ago.lap.red). Stay safe!

Stay tuned for more insights and tips in our next edition! Happy swimming!

---

For more information, visit [The Daily News of Open Water Swimming](#) or [Open Waterpedia](#).

"Unlock Your Open Water Potential with Steven Minotonis!"

- Presentation on open water swimming; defined as swimming outside of pools (oceans, lakes, rivers).
- Presenter: Steven Minotonis, 62, from Huntington Beach, CA; experienced coach, announcer for Beijing Olympics, author of multiple books on open water swimming.
- Open water swimming includes various types: marathon swimming, ice swimming, wild swimming, etc.
- Main equipment used: goggles, swim cap, swimsuit; training methods differ from pool swimming.
- In the U.S., open water swimmers include triathletes, recreational swimmers, master swimmers, and professionals.
- Training for open water swimming involves base training, speed training, and distance tolerance; swimmers should train at least 60% of their target distance.

- Swimmers training for a 10 km swim should aim to cover at least 6,000 meters.
- Training includes race-specific skills, pacing, feeding strategies, and open water acclimatization.
- Open water training differs from pool swimming, requiring comfort with varying temperatures, waves, and potential hazards.
- Coaches should tailor training based on swimmer experience, progressing from finishing the race to optimal performance and winning strategies.
- Feeding techniques during races are crucial; swimmers must learn to hydrate without stopping.
- Stroke mechanics are important for both pool and open water, but additional skills like drafting and sighting are needed for open water.
- Athletes must adapt to different water conditions, including visibility challenges.
- Open water swimming has evolved, with athletes achieving unprecedented distances and speeds in extreme conditions.

- Open water swimming in freezing temperatures was once deemed impossible.
- Jamie highlights the evolution of swimming in Arctic conditions, showcasing competitions in ice-cold water.
- Human resilience and training allow swimmers to achieve remarkable feats, previously thought unattainable.
- Examples include Martin van der Rijschen, a leukemia survivor who became an Olympic champion, and Natalie Detoit, a para swimmer who qualified for the Olympic final despite losing a leg.
- The story emphasizes the power of determination and community support in overcoming challenges.
- Open water swimming regulations allow for specialized gear, differing from traditional pool swims, and strategies vary among athletes.

- Swimmers exhibit different strategies: some aggressively start, while others wait to draft.
- Elite open water swimmers use specialized tech suits, distinct for men and women.
- Coaches use feeding poles to provide hydration during races, identifiable by team colors.
- Swimmers wear wrist transponders and numbers for identification by race officials.
- Open water swimming requires a different mindset compared to pool swimming, focusing on endurance over shorter distances.
- The Olympic 10K Marathon Swim has been held in various cities, with specific training for river currents emphasized.
- Notable performances include Hungarian swimmers excelling in Paris due to river training.
- Jared Port from Australia attempted a unique strategy by swimming ahead of the pack during a race in Rio.
- Race officials monitor for infractions like impeding and unsportsmanlike conduct.

- Jared unexpectedly took the lead in the 10K Olympic Marathon Swim, swimming faster than competitors.
- After 15 minutes, he was significantly ahead, prompting the chase group to speed up.
- The shape of the chase group changed from an oval to a slender pack as they swam faster.
- At 28 minutes, Jared maintained a substantial lead and approached a timing gate for split times.
- An hour and 55 minutes in, Jared was still leading, but the chase packs began to close in on him.
- Notable swimmers in the chase included gold medalist Ferry Wirtman and silver medalist Spyridon Giannadius.
- The race concluded with a tight finish; despite Spyridon crossing the line first, he failed to touch the timing pad, resulting in Wirtman winning gold.
- The top 13 swimmers finished within 7 seconds after nearly 2 hours of racing.

- Olympic swimming race in Rio de Janeiro featured unique "banana buoys" to minimize swimmer collisions.
- Timing gates allowed fans and media to track leading swimmers.
- Sharon van Roendel from the Netherlands won gold, with Rachel Bruni (Italy) and Pauliana Okimoto (Brazil) also competing closely.
- Controversial incident occurred when Bruni and Ariel (France) collided with a buoy, leading to a disqualification for Bruni.
- Okimoto, who finished fourth, was awarded the bronze medal due to the disqualification.
- Emphasis on training athletes for open water conditions, including drafting and navigating rough waters.
- The presentation concluded with an invitation for questions and a mention of a significant race in South Africa.

- Presentation on open water swimming, defined as swimming in natural bodies of water.
- Presenter: Steven Minotonis, experienced coach and author.
- Types of open water swimming: marathon, ice, wild swimming, etc.
- Main equipment: goggles, swim cap, swimsuit; training methods differ from pool swimming.
- U.S. open water swimmers include triathletes, recreational swimmers, and professionals.
- Training involves base, speed, and distance tolerance; at least 60% of target distance recommended.
- Race-specific skills include pacing, feeding strategies, and acclimatization.
- Coaches should tailor training based on swimmer experience.
- Stroke mechanics and additional skills like drafting and sighting are essential.
- Open water swimming has evolved with athletes achieving unprecedented feats.
- Examples of resilience: Martin van der Rijschen and Natalie Detoit.
- Regulations allow specialized gear; strategies vary among athletes.
- Race strategies differ; elite swimmers use tech suits and feeding poles.
- Monitoring for infractions during races; notable performances and tight finishes highlighted.
- Olympic 10K Marathon Swim featured unique "banana buoys" and timing gates.
- Controversial incidents and athlete training for open water conditions emphasized.
- Presentation concluded with an invitation for questions and mention of a significant race in South Africa.

- Overview of the open water swimming community and its offerings.
- Discussion of a controversial disqualification of an Olympic female swimmer; the decision was justified but unfortunate.
- Emphasis on the importance of lane placement to prevent infractions.
- Mention of the swimmer's successful comeback and popularity after the incident.
- Pre-qualification tests for swimmers in recreational settings are sometimes required to ensure safety.
- Warm water poses unique risks, including overheating and cardiac issues, as seen in past incidents.
- Open water competitions typically do not have eliminations like pool events; qualification often occurs at prior championships.
- Efforts to broaden Olympic participation in open water swimming due to varying access to facilities globally.

- Top swimmers qualify automatically in elimination races; continental qualifiers from various regions are also included.
- A notable example is a swimmer from Guam qualifying via Oceania rankings, highlighting inclusivity in Olympic swimming.
- Open water swimming finals often feature swimmers from diverse countries, unlike pool events dominated by a few nations.
- The qualification process aims to provide opportunities for swimmers worldwide, encouraging participation at all levels.
- Creating pools in open water settings helps alleviate fears and promotes training for aspiring swimmers.
- Officiating open water swimming involves understanding specific rules and positioning of judges, which can be taught effectively.
- World Aquatics has standardized rules for open water officiating, but practical experience is crucial for understanding and application.
- Open water swimming is designed to be simpler to officiate compared to traditional pool events, focusing on two main rules.

- Open water swimming accommodates various age groups and classifications, including disabled athletes.
- Award ceremonies are lengthy, recognizing multiple age categories and promoting participation.
- The emphasis is on finishing as a win, fostering a positive experience regardless of competitive outcomes.
- Swimmers can compete in diverse swimwear, from tech suits to casual attire, promoting inclusivity.
- Safety is prioritized with a "safety net" of lifeguards and kayakers to assist swimmers in distress.
- Education for swimmers on race conduct and safety is essential, alongside training for officials.
- Separation of heats is common to enhance safety and manage competition effectively.
- The coach focuses on mentoring organizations and individuals rather than elite athletes.

- Appreciation for contributions to sports, community, and youth.  
- Invitation to visit wafsu.org and attend International Swim Coaches Association events.  
- Announcement of upcoming services at ago.lap.red.  
- Reminder to stay safe.  

- Overview of the open water swimming community and its offerings.
- Controversial disqualification of an Olympic female swimmer; justified but unfortunate.
- Importance of lane placement to prevent infractions.
- Swimmer's successful comeback and increased popularity post-incident.
- Pre-qualification tests for safety in recreational settings.
- Risks of warm water, including overheating and cardiac issues.
- Open water competitions lack eliminations; qualification occurs at prior championships.
- Efforts to broaden Olympic participation due to global facility access disparities.
- Top swimmers qualify automatically; continental qualifiers included.
- Example of a swimmer from Guam qualifying via Oceania rankings, promoting inclusivity.
- Finals feature diverse countries, unlike pool events dominated by few nations.
- Qualification process encourages global participation at all levels.
- Creating open water pools helps alleviate fears and supports training.
- Officiating involves understanding specific rules and judge positioning.
- Standardized rules exist, but practical experience is essential.
- Open water swimming is simpler to officiate, focusing on two main rules.
- Accommodates various age groups and classifications, including disabled athletes.
- Lengthy award ceremonies recognize multiple age categories.
- Emphasis on finishing as a win, fostering a positive experience.
- Swimmers can wear diverse swimwear, promoting inclusivity.
- Safety prioritized with lifeguards and kayakers assisting swimmers.
- Essential education on race conduct and safety for swimmers and officials.
- Separation of heats enhances safety and competition management.
- Coaches focus on mentoring organizations and individuals.
- Appreciation for contributions to sports and community.
- Invitation to visit wafsu.org and attend swim coaching events.
- Announcement of upcoming services at ago.lap.red.
- Reminder to stay safe.

So, this is a presentation on open water swimming.

Open water swimming, as you may know, is swimming not in a pool.

It's in the ocean, a lake, a river, a bay, etc.

This particular swim that I took a photo of is in the Caribbean island in the Cayman Islands.

I'm 62 years old from Huntington Beach, California.

I was the announcer for the, online announcer for the Beijing Olympics, Olympic 10K swim.

That was the first time Marathon Swimming was introduced at the Olympic Games in 2008.

I've written several books on open water swimming in English, Polish, Chinese, and German.

They and Spanish they have been translated.

This is a photo of me actually swimming in Long Beach, California.

But I've also done all kinds of ocean swims, lake swims, et cetera.

This is me down here trying to get on shore.

And I have experienced coaching and swimming in deserts and in the ocean.

My mission in life is to share all my experiences as a coach, as a swimmer, as a pilot, paddler, a kayaker with all of you.

These are a variety of things that I've done.

And 1 of the best ways that I know that I can share information is through this blog.

It's called the daily news of open water swimming.

And in here, I write daily articles, over 21, 000 articles on open water swimming.

Today's article was the different types of workouts for open water swimmers.

But in addition to that, I started a thing called Open Waterpedia.

It's very much like Wikipedia, except it is entirely focused on open water swimming.

And so we have over 23, 000 open water swimmers and all kinds of information.

So if you ever want additional information, you can always go to the daily news of open water swimming or open waterpedia.

It is anything that you do outside of a pool.

It could be some of the shortest open water swims in the world are only 25 meters.

Some of the longest open water swims in the world are over 80 kilometers.

This is a photograph of a world championship race.

You can see all the women competing, but you see these black things here, these little black things.

So what we do in the open water is very different from what we do in the pool.

In the open water, we can see fish, dolphins, turtles, jellyfish, whales, etc.

And there are various types of open water swimming.

There the competitive open water swimming, there are the Olympic marathon swim, sometimes you run up on shore, sometimes you hit a touch pad.

But in general, you're using, in general, you're using the same equipment in a pool as you use in the open water.

So you have goggles, swim cap, and a swimsuit.

But the types of open water swims that we have is very, very different.

So in the pool you have butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle.

But in the open water you have things like ice swimming and winter swimming and channel swimming, marathon swimming, wild swimming, para swimming, which is also in the pool.

We also have a 1.5 K race for intellectually disabled athletes.

We have very professional invitational races where lots of money is given to the winners.

Circumnavigations are swims around an island.

So in the United States, we have mostly triathletes and recreation open water swimmers, just people who enjoy swimming.

And we have approximately 1.2 million of those triathletes and recreation open water swimmers of all ages, and that's the bulk of open water swimming.

We also have master swimmers, those are competitive swimmers.

We have high school and collegiate swimmers, the most competitive, fastest swimmers, and that's about 373, 000.

Of that number, we also have age group swimmers, so swimmers under the age of 18, and USA swimming is the governing body there.

And then at the very, very top, we have the pros.

And the pros in the pool include people like Katie Ledecky, Michael Phelps, Leon Marchand, who's a French person who swims in the United States, but also you have open water swimming pros.

Those are athletes who are less well known, but they actually are professionals.

They receive a salary or they receive prize money or they receive sponsorship and they travel the world swimming open water swims.

They swim around islands, This is in Okinawa in Japan where the water is very beautiful.

This is Lynn Cox who is swimming across the Bering Strait.

Lewis Pugh is the United Nations patron of the oceans.

This is an Australian swimmer who is swimming across a channel.

This is his British coach, Tim Danyer, who is handing him or will hand him a bottle so he can drink.

So how do you train for open water swimming?

This is a very, very deep and very broad question, and it will take time to answer, but I'm going to give you a brief summary of this.

In general, you have 7 different ways to train for open water swimming.

The base training is what a lot of pool coaches know.

That's your basic, I don't know, 10-400s or basically a 5, 000-meter workout or if you're a distance swimmer, it could be longer.

If you're a sprint, a swimmer could be shorter.

But this is your basic mid-season training.

You do a lot of swimming back and forth across the pool.

In addition, in the highest echelon, so the most professional swimmers, the Olympic swimmers, They do a lot of speed training.

So they will compete in an ocean, a river, a lake, et cetera, but they will do a lot of speed training in the pool.

So they will do sets of 50s, sets of 100s, sets of 200s on a very fast interval in the pool.

And the reason why is, at the end of, let's say, the Olympic 10k race or the end of a world championship's 5 kilometer swim, The top swimmers are always sprinting very fast.

1 of my fellow Olympic coaches, he says it's very critical to have the stamina to swim 10 kilometers, but the speed to swim a 200 meters very fast.

You have what we call distance tolerance.

Distance tolerance is the ability, let's say if you are swimming the English Channel or a 10 kilometer swim to literally swim that distance.

It does not mean you need to train the same distance, it just means more or less you can swim 60 percent of the distance.

So if your swimmers are attempting to swim a 10 kilometer swim in their training, they should train at least 60% of that or 6, 000 meters.

There is very specific race training, skill training, and open water aquamization.

This level is more focused on how do you feed, how do you pace, how do you position yourself relative to the other swimmers in your competition?

Do you draft off them or do you lead the pack?

Open water acclimatization means are you comfortable swimming in very cold water or very warm water?

Are you comfortable getting stung by a jellyfish?

And all of these aspects, they're very, very different from pool swimming, but very, very necessary for open water swimmers.

The last 1, and it's very, very important, especially for the professionals or Olympic swimmers, and that is to understand not only the course, but also your competition.

So in other words, is my competition very good at the 1500 meter freestyle or is he or she very good at the 100 and 200 meter freestyle?

Because how you race those 2 different athletes can be different.

This is a little bit complicated, but I will just summarize this part of the slide.

If you're coaching a newcomer, someone new to the sport, you will want to focus on teaching them how to swim simply to finish the race.

Now, if you have someone who's a little more experienced, you can teach them not only how to swim to finish the race, but how also how to swim straight, to swim from the start to the finish in a straight manner.

Now if you have someone who has maybe several races or a few years of experience, you can teach them how to swim optimally.

In other words, how do you use the waves or the current or the conditions or drafting in order to swim as quickly as possible.

And then lastly, if you have a very good swimmer who is very experienced, how do you teach them how to swim to win?

So there's a big difference between swimming to finish and swimming to win.

As you get athletes to go from swimming to finish to swimming straight, to swimming optimally, to swimming to win, you have more and more information that you need to share with them.

Now, I can't explain everything in an hour, an hour and a half, but I will try to explain some of this.

I think this is at the 2013 World Championships.

I have a feeding cup, feeding holder, and in this holder is a bottle or cup that the athletes can drink while they pass because in a 10 kilometer race or 25 kilometer race you will need to eat or drink during the race.

It's too long simply to not drink or not feed.

So we have to teach the athletes how to do this quickly.

In other words, in this particular case, The swimmer is as he grab the food or the drink from the cup, he turned over on his back and is swimming backstroke with 1 arm as he's going forward.

He does not stop in the water because if he stops in the water, his competition here has already taken his feed and continue on.

These are details of a race that you need as a coach to teach your athletes.

He is from Japan who's taking a feeding or taking some water that he's drinking.

These are other athletes around him who are either skipping that feed or they already took the feed.

Now, you need good stroke mechanics, whether even if you're swimming in a pool, I'm sorry, in an ocean like these people are, or the pool.

Now in the pool, you want to have very good stroke mechanics.

We know that we have a good hand path, we have a good head position, we have a good body roll, we have a good kick.

But in the open water, there are other things we have to teach the swimmers.

So here we have your average professional swimmer.

This is an American athlete that I coach, professional marathon swimmer.

She is in a pool swimming up and down the black line but when we teach this athlete how to swim in the open water, we now have to teach them various things.

So this young man is drafting off of this athlete.

He's sighting, in other words, he's looking up forward trying to figure out what direction he should swim.

But his stroke mechanics are still very good.

He's entering his, he will enter his hand well, his body position is relatively flat, and then we have other examples where the swimmer is still continuing to race, they're not stopping, but they're drinking as they're moving forward.

We also have and teach the athletes how to swim well when the water is not so clear.

You can easily see the bottom of the pool.

And when you're swimming in very warm tropical waters, the water is also typically very clear.

You can see below you, you can easily see ahead of you.

But in many cases, you have locations, sea, ocean, and lake, where you can't see underneath you very well.

And so in these cases, we teach the athletes how to swim well, swim straight, and swim in a coordinated manner with other athletes.

Now this is part of a swim where the athletes were not going so fast, but this is a race where the athletes are swimming to finish.

So you can see the big difference between here and here.

In this case, it's the middle of the race, the athletes are going in 1 direction, underwater they can see each other but they necessarily can't see ahead of them.

But as they swim closer to the finish, you can see these 2 athletes from Venezuela who are actually looking.

So they're picking their head up and looking forward to see what's going on.

This is a timing chip that the athletes wear on their wrists because when they finish, in this case, international race, an Olympic race, a world championship race conducted by World Aquatics or maybe LEN in Europe or maybe 1 of the other national governing bodies around the world, you will have a touchpad where the athletes must finish.

You also have in this particular case, this is a race formerly held by FINA, now World Aquatics, was held in Mexico and you can see how the athletes are drafting 1 another and then rounding this turn buoy.

You can see some of the athletes are looking forward, sighting ahead and going around.

Now what's very interesting about open water swimming is what is possible and what is impossible.

Right now, around the world, people are swimming or doing the possible that we previously thought was impossible.

Swimmers are swimming in water that is colder than we ever thought possible.

And so when we look at Lewis Pugh swimming in Antarctica, This water is below freezing.

It is colder than 0 degrees Celsius because this is fresh water.

When it hits the ocean water, the water around here is under 0 degrees.

Many years ago, I would say 40, 50 years ago, we didn't think this was possible.

We didn't think you could swim in the Arctic Circle.

We didn't think people could swim in this kind of water, this freezing cold water.

We didn't have competitions in the snow with people who were young and people who were older.

Look at how the officials are dressed and these swimmers are gonna enter this ice cold water and swim.

We never thought this was possible, But open water swimming is showing us how the impossible is possible.

And these are the workers making this pool.

Imagine people swimming in a frozen area.

We never thought this is possible, but now we know this is possible.

So this was the beginning of the pool as they're making, cutting the ice, and now this is the pool.

And people compete in this kind of conditions.

This shows you the possibility of what the human body can do.

And it shows us what the human mind can be convinced to do.

In other words, we can swim faster, further, and colder than we ever thought possible.

But in order to do that, we need to train properly.

This is literally the pool, 25 meter pool.

You see the race officials, you see some fans, and they're getting ready for a competition.

This water temperature is about 2 degrees Celsius.

These are the people, not only elite professional Olympic swimmers, but these are master swimmers.

These are women of various ages all the way up to the 90s.

They swim with the normal gear, swim cap, goggles, and a suit.

So what we know now is that the impossible is possible.

And this, I think, is a really key point for all swimmers to understand what we thought was impossible.

We all know of Michael Phelps, and when he did his 403 in the 400-meter IM in the 2008 Olympics, we were shocked.

How could someone almost break 4 minutes for the 400 meter individual medley?

And now we know Leon Marchand can even swim faster.

And what Leon Marshawn and all the other swimmers of the world can do is really what we thought was impossible, slowly with training, with strategy, with commitment is possible.

And 1 of the best examples that I know is a friend of mine, this is a Dutch swimmer, Martin van der Rijschen.

Martin was a very good but not great 1500 meter swimmer, 400, 800, 1500 meter swimmer.

So he he's a very tall guy but he lost half of his body weight as he was fighting leukemia.

By 2006 he started to swim again, he started to compete again, and by 2008, he became the Olympic champion in the Olympic 10K marathon swim.

He was a very good swimmer, not a great swimmer, very good swimmer.

He had this terrible cancer that kills many people.

He decided to get back into swimming, not to win a gold medal, but simply to regain his strength.

He regained his strength so much that he ultimately became the Olympic champion in 2008.

This is where the impossible, a man with leukemia, does something and makes it possible.

This person right here is Natalie Detoit.

She lost her leg in an accident and she became a very good para swimmer and she won many medals in the Paraswim, the Paralympics.

But in 2008, she qualified for the Olympic 10K Marathon swim.

So she was competing against all of these swimmers.

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open-water-w-Steven_Munatones--audio.mp3