Open Water Swimming

Open Water Swimming sees athletes swim over a 10km course in vast natural bodies of water like lakes, rivers and oceans. As a head-to-head contest, this aquatic race demands an incomparable rigor from its swimmers and an ability to adapt quickly as they navigate unpredictable elements including currents, water temperature and marine life. Incidental contact is permitted, so athletes must bring strategy and physicality to the race, in addition to endurance. Despite races lasting about two hours, finishes are often separated by hundredths of a second, making Open Water Swimming one of the most dramatic events of the Games.