Edu Modenez: Journey, Open Water Swimming, and the English Channel Dream

Professionalism Over Commercialism

When asked by the hosts about the challenges of managing a consultancy, Edu emphasizes that his secret is to be “more professional than commercial.” He prioritizes training quality and athlete development above all else, even if it means limiting the number of students per lane to ensure excellence. His philosophy is one of discipline and seriousness, seeking the best results for each swimmer, from beginner to advanced. He stresses that support from academies for coaches is crucial for student retention, a view that, fortunately, has been growing over the years.

The Evolution of Open Water Swimming: From Roots to Modernity

Edu recalls the more “rootsy” times of open water marathon swimming when events were held in rivers like the Paraíba do Sul, with rustic conditions and minimal infrastructure. He describes the difficulty of swimming in remote locations without adequate support, where competitors often traveled by public bus, frequently in swim briefs, and food was improvised. Competitions were organized by the FAP (Federação Aquática Paulista), and the discipline was seen as “second-tier” by pool swimmers. The lack of technology, such as GPS and accurate weather forecasts, made each event a true adventure. Today, the scenario is completely different, with much more safety, structure, and recognition.

Conquering the 14 Bis Crossing

Among his achievements as a swimmer, Edu is proud to have been champion of the Travessia 14 Bis in his very first participation. The 14 Bis, an emblematic ultra-distance event, is for many the “Brazilian Everest” of swimming, a goal most open water swimmers aspire to. Edu completed the event five times, reflecting on the varied conditions that could alter the completion time by up to two hours due to currents and tides. He also holds a “Golden Coach” trophy from Casper Líbero college and a special “Athlete of the Year” medal from Círculo Militar, presented by his coach, João Luiz.

The English Channel: A Personal Challenge and a New Attempt

Considering the English Channel as the “Everest” of world swimming and the only crossing missing from his career at the time, Edu Modenez attempted to swim it in 2022. Although he swam 50 km in 14 hours and 21 minutes, strong currents and some physical issues, such as difficulty urinating and weakness due to a lack of specific strength training, prevented him from completing the crossing. He admits to having underestimated the preparation, not giving due importance to aspects like weight training and adaptation to the cold water (16.5 degrees Celsius).

Despite the frustration, Edu did not give up. He is already registered for a new attempt in 2028. This time, his preparation will be different: he will dedicate more time, focus on weight training and everything he didn't do the first time, altering his routine to face the challenge with the seriousness it demands. For Edu, the English Channel is the ultimate test of his passion and persistence in swimming.

The chat concludes with the conviction that, just as the “English Channel” is the ultimate challenge for him, a 1 km race can be a great goal for a beginner. What matters is dedication and a change in routine to achieve any goal. Edu Modenez is a living example of how to train, compete, and inspire are the pillars of a life dedicated to sports, always striving for his best version and that of his athletes. His commitment to quality and passion for swimming continue to transform lives, both in and out of the water.