Spanish open water team in Kuching for final prep ahead of World Aquatics Championships in Singapore
KUCHING (July 10): The Spanish national open water swim team has selected Kuching as their final training base before heading to the World Aquatics Championships 2025 in Singapore.
Manager Ricardo Barreda cited the city's similar climate and convenient logistics as key factors in the decision.
The team comprises three top-level swimmers: María de Valdés, 27, a silver medallist in the 10km open water event at the 2024 World Championships in Doha; Ángela Martínez, 21, who placed 10th at the Paris 2024 Olympics; and Paula Otero, also 21, who recently secured silver at the 2025 European Championships in the newly-introduced 3km Knockout event.
Accompanied by their coach and gym instructor, the team members arrived in Kuching on July 6 and are scheduled to depart for Singapore on July 12, just ahead of the open water competition, which will be held on July 15-20 in the sea off Sentosa Island.
Their week-long training camp was made possible with the support of Power Aquatics Swimming Club, which assisted with arrangements for training facilities and accommodation.
The athletes are currently based at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, where they are adjusting to race-day conditions expected in Singapore.
'We came here mainly because the climate and time zone are very similar to Singapore,' Barreda explained.
'Coming from Spain with a six-hour time difference, it's crucial for the athletes to adjust before race day. Singapore's sea temperature is expected to reach around 30 degrees Celsius, and our swimmers need to be physically and mentally adapted to that.'
The demands of open water swimming require intense preparation, especially when races last up to two hours under high heat and humidity.
'It's like a marathon in the sea,' Barreda said.
'Managing core body temperature is critical, particularly in the final stages of a 10km race. That's why hydration strategies during the race are crucial.'
(Front from left) Power Aquatics Swimming Club (PASC) founder Voon Yong Hui is seen with de Valdés, Otero, and Martínez. Barreda is at back second left.
Team members have found Kuching's quiet and compact setting to be ideal for focused preparation.
'It's just a one-hour-and-10-minute flight to Singapore, and the weather here is nearly identical. Unlike Kuala Lumpur, which is large and hectic, Kuching is quiet, easy to move around in, and everything from the pool to the airport is easily accessible. That really helps the athletes stay relaxed and focused,' Barreda said.
'The facilities at the aquatic centre are very good and we're comfortable here.'
He said Spain is aiming for a breakthrough in the open water discipline.
'We believe this year's team participants in the championship is stronger than before. Our goal is to be among the top eight and we're shooting for it with confidence.'
The World Aquatics Championships 2025 will take place in Singapore from July 11 to Aug 3, featuring elite competition across swimming, diving, artistic swimming, water polo, high diving, and open water swimming.
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