Brazil’s Ana Marcela Cunha Wins Silver in 10km at Marathon Swim World Series in Italy
Ana Marcela Cunha, Brazil’s legendary open water swimmer, added another medal to her extraordinary career by finishing second in the 10km race at the 2025 World Aquatics Marathon Swim World Series in Sete, Italy, on June 2, 2025.
In a tight sprint finish, Cunha was edged out by Germany’s Leonie Beck, but her silver medal confirms she remains one of the strongest contenders in long-distance swimming globally.
A Race of Precision and Endurance
The women’s 10km event featured more than 50 elite swimmers from around the world, including Olympic medalists and world champions. The Mediterranean waters offered moderate temperatures and a slight current, making race positioning and drafting critical.
Final Podium – Women’s 10km:
| Rank | Athlete | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leonie Beck | GER | 2:01:45.2 |
| 2 | Ana Marcela Cunha | BRA | 2:01:46.0 |
| 3 | Sharon van Rouwendaal | NED | 2:01:46.5 |
Cunha stayed with the lead pack throughout the race, made her move at the 9km mark, and entered the final stretch in a dead sprint with Beck and Van Rouwendaal. Her finishing time was just 0.8 seconds behind the winner.
Veteran Precision
Now 33 years old, Ana Marcela Cunha continues to perform at the highest level. She is a six-time world champion, a Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medalist, and has over 50 podium finishes in FINA Marathon Swim Series events.
Her success is built on:
- Flawless navigation and tactical awareness
- A powerful finishing sprint
- Long-distance efficiency and aerobic capacity
Coach Fernando Possenti commented:
“She swam a perfect tactical race. The experience she brings is unmatched. Every move she makes is calculated.”
Brazil’s Marathon Swimming Legacy
Cunha has helped establish Brazil as a powerhouse in marathon swimming. In addition to her silver, Brazil also saw:
- Diogo Villarinho finish 5th in the men’s 10km
- Viviane Jungblut secure a top-10 finish in the women’s event
- A strong junior squad in the 5km development race
The Brazilian Aquatic Sports Confederation (CBDA) has continued to invest in high-performance camps and open water training centers, particularly in Bahia and Rio de Janeiro, where athletes prepare for unpredictable sea conditions.
Eyes on Los Angeles 2028
Though Ana Marcela has already hinted that Los Angeles 2028 may be her final Olympic cycle, her current form suggests she is far from done. With a full 2025 race calendar ahead, including:
- World Championships in Singapore (August)
- Pan American Games qualifier in Cartagena (October)
- Open water training block in Portugal (July)
Cunha is focused on peaking at exactly the right moments.
Environmental Advocacy
Beyond the water, Ana Marcela is an advocate for marine conservation. She works with NGOs to raise awareness about plastic pollution and regularly participates in beach cleanups and environmental campaigns.
She has said:
“The ocean gives me everything—I owe it respect. I want to keep fighting for clean waters and for the next generation of swimmers to have a future.”
Conclusion: An Unmatched Legacy in Progress
Ana Marcela Cunha’s silver in Italy is another chapter in an already historic career. With unmatched longevity, tactical brilliance, and unwavering dedication, she continues to prove that she’s not just a veteran—but a constant threat on the global stage.