Marathon Swimming – Summer Games 2024
Marathon swimming takes place in open waters, such as the sea, rivers, or lakes. In 2024, the Marathon Swimming events will start and end at the Pont Alexandre III in the iconic River Seine. Athletes must complete a 10km course, which takes nearly two hours. Their endurance, physical strength and mental durability are all put to the test.
Schedule
Records
Men's 10km Open Water Marathon:
Most Gold Medals by a Swimmer (Individual):
Oussama Mellouli of Tunisia won gold in the 10km open water marathon at the 2012 London Summer Games. He became the first swimmer to win Games gold in both pool and open water events.
Fastest Winning Time:
The record for the fastest winning time in the men's 10km open water marathon may vary by Summer Games. Swimmers achieving the lowest time in this grueling event set records for speed and endurance.
Women's 10km Open Water Marathon:
Most Gold Medals by a Swimmer (Individual):
At the 2012 London Summer Games, Éva Risztov of Hungary won the gold medal in the women's 10km open water marathon.
Fastest Winning Time:
The record for the fastest winning time in the women's 10km open water marathon may vary by Summer Games. Swimmers achieving the lowest time in this challenging event set records for speed and endurance.
General Open Water Swimming Records:
Venue-Specific Records:
Open water swimming events in the Summer Games may take place in various locations, such as lakes or oceans. Records can be specific to each venue and its conditions.
Close Finishes and Photo Finishes:
Given the nature of open water swimming, races can be highly competitive, with close finishes and even photo finishes. Some races may be decided by a fraction of a second.
Did you know that..
Games Introduction:
The swimming marathon, also known as open water swimming, was introduced to the Games program at the 2008 Beijing Summer Games. It includes both men's and women's 10km races.
Unlike traditional pool swimming, open water swimming takes place in natural bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, or oceans. This adds an extra layer of challenge for athletes who must navigate currents, waves, and varying water temperatures.
The standard distance for the Games swimming marathon is 10 kilometers (10km). Swimmers cover this considerable distance, showcasing both endurance and strategic pacing. The race can last for over two hours, depending on conditions and swimmer speed.
Open water swimming requires swimmers to employ different tactics and strategies compared to pool races. Athletes often draft off each other, use navigation skills, and make strategic decisions to conserve energy for the latter part of the race.
Unlike pool swimming, open water swimmers don't have the benefits of lane lines or walls to aid their navigation. They must rely on their own sense of direction and the guidance of coaches and support personnel on boats to stay on course.