Crossing the Tahiti-Moorea channel from the Three Pontoons of Punaauia to reach Temae beach is not an easy task. For three years, the Ocean Swimming Race has brought together the best swimmers in Polynesia. Individually or in relays, and over a distance of 24 km, the swimmers will attempt this year to beat the record of Nael Roux, who achieved the feat in 2023 by registering his name on the list in 5 hours and 38 minutes.
This edition promises to be special, because it will be held under the gaze of an expert: that of Sharon Van Rouwendaal. Indeed, the Dutchwoman, godmother of this third edition, is one of the best open water swimmers in the world. Double world champion in 2022 and 2024, and reigning Olympic champion at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, she is a star of world swimming. She was trained for a long time by Philippe Lucas, the French coach who made Laure Manaudou one of the greatest swimmers of all time.
In addition to her impressive record in open water, Sharon has also performed well in the pool, both individually and as a team. After winning several medals in freestyle and backstroke in various European and world competitions, she won her first open water title at the European Championships in Berlin in 2014. In 2016, she won with the gold medal. at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, in the 10 km event. The world title eluded her for several years, but she nevertheless won silver in 2015 and 2017. Her world consecration will come in 2022 in Budapest, where she will be crowned in the 10 km event. Also performing well over 25 km, she won a bronze medal and a silver medal at the World Championships over this distance.
Sharon’s arrival at Fenua is a major event which will allow swimming enthusiasts to interact with an exceptional athlete and highlight this race in the eyes of the whole world. We secretly hope that she will start among the other swimmers.
Canada
