The Guatemalan swimmer Regina Matheu de Santiso achieved a milestone by crossing the Strait of Gibraltar in a time of 3 hours, 38 minutes, and 47 seconds. She departed from the shores of Tarifa, Spain, and touched land in Tangier, Morocco.
This challenge, which only a select group of swimmers in the world has achieved, was reached under the direction and training of the Cuban Juan Manuel Diego Olite, who has been residing in Guatemala City for over 20 years.
Juanma, as his students know him, is a recognized swimming and sport fishing coach. He has an extensive background and has seen his athletes achieve important results in national, Central American, Pan American, and world competitions.
Regina will turn 60 on August 22. She faced the cold waters of the Strait of Gibraltar, which ranged from 16 to 21 degrees Celsius, in a test that demanded the utmost of her physical and mental endurance.
The crossing of the Strait of Gibraltar is known for being one of the most challenging endeavors in the world of open water swimming, due to the currents and the low water temperature.
In exclusive statements to CiberCuba, Regina shared details about her preparation and the experience of crossing the Strait.
"I started preparing in January when the organizers of this event confirmed, after 10 years of waiting, that in 2024 I could cross the Strait. I trained every week with Juanma, and even here in Spain, I swam for two days before the crossing," he explained.
"We arrived in Málaga on August 11. We were given a period to take the test between the 14th and the 24th. The weather at first was not favorable, and on Sunday they confirmed to us that I could swim on the 19th. It was a fantastic experience," he added.
Regina highlighted the importance of her Cuban coach in this success.
"My coach is the most qualified person in Guatemala to prepare open water swimmers. With his support, many Guatemalans and I have swum in the English Channel, and I have now managed to cross the Strait of Gibraltar."
The Guatemalan confessed that for her, swimming in open waters is overcoming a personal challenge. "I enjoy what I do. This day was exceptional. The departure from Tarifa was tough, with a lot of waves, but I also enjoyed it. I swam with dolphins and whales! What more can you expect? This is my reward," she said with a smile.
Regina's success is a testament not only to her determination and ability, but also to the fundamental role of a coach, whose approach and experience are essential for the athlete to reach their dream goal.
This achievement not only honors the name of Regina Matheu de Santiso, but it also highlights the influence of a Cuban in the sports achievements of Guatemala.
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