Patrícia Farias: Big Swims and Ocean Advocacy
The Leme ao Pontal pioneer details challenges in Lake Titicaca and Rio Negro, plus her English Channel prep for ocean conservation.
In an interview on Natação Stemma, marathon swimmer Patrícia Farias looks back on her career milestones, from her historic Leme ao Pontal swim to Lake Titicaca. She explains how she merges ultra-distance swimming with environmental advocacy and looks ahead to the English Channel.
A key figure in Brazilian marathon swimming and an advocate for ocean conservation, Patrícia Farias joined hosts Samir Barel and Wanderley Santos on Natação Stemma. Reviewing milestones throughout her career, the athlete shared stories of resilience, extreme expeditions, and how she turned her swims into environmental activism.
Early open water career and pioneering Leme ao Pontal
Patrícia began swimming in childhood to manage asthma and competed in pool events for Fluminense before transitioning to open water. Under the guidance of coach Renato Ribeiro on the Navegantes team, she progressed from 5 km and 10 km races to iconic challenges like Travessia 14 Bis and Ilha do Mel. Her major breakthrough came in 2016, when she became the first woman to complete the grueling 36 km Leme ao Pontal swim, finishing in 10 hours and 22 minutes.
Overcoming meningitis and the Capri-Naples swim
Following an intense competitive season in 2016, Patrícia battled a severe case of meningitis that required two weeks of hospitalization. Showing patience and honoring her recovery limits, she resumed training in early 2017 and managed to line up for the historic Capri-Napoli ultramarathon in Italy that June.
Life and training in São Paulo
Relocating to São Paulo for work in late 2017, the swimmer spent nearly eight years in the metropolis, training across various gyms and learning from multiple local coaches. This diverse background enriched her athletic skill set while providing practical experience for her Physical Education degree and her management role with Equipe Navegantes.
The 20 km Lake Titicaca challenge
Invited to swim in support of Lake Titicaca conservation, Patrícia tackled a 20 km route at an altitude exceeding 3,800 meters, with water temperatures hovering between 9 °C and 10 °C (48–50 °F). To endure thermal shock and hypoxia without extended on-site acclimation, she used ice-water simulations in an endless pool and followed a targeted nutritional protocol featuring beetroot supplementation.
Rio Negro swim and environmental advocacy
To celebrate her 40th birthday, the athlete completed a 40 km swim in the waters of Rio Negro in Manaus, combining an official 30 km event with an extra 10 km stretch beneath the cable-stayed bridge. Swimming through these iconic natural landscapes fueled her mission as an ambassador for the Limpa Brasil movement and founder of the Eu Nado Pelos Oceanos (I Swim for the Oceans) initiative.
Awareness campaigns and the Urca to Paquetá swim
Her environmental work continued with 24-hour relay events, Global Ocean Day swims, and circumnavigating the Cagarras Archipelago (23 km). More recently, Patrícia completed an unprecedented ecological crossing from Urca to Paquetá Island, drawing attention to the restoration and preservation of Guanabara Bay.
Celebrating 10 years of Leme ao Pontal with an all-female team
Marking the 10th anniversary of her pioneering Leme ao Pontal swim, Patrícia organized two all-female night relays featuring 12 swimmers across various age groups. A highlight of the crossing was the participation of a 76-year-old veteran swimmer, reinforcing inclusion and mutual support in open water sports.
Behind the scenes and photos from major swims
During a retrospective photo segment in the studio, the hosts and their guest revisited the warm reception and honors she received after the Titicaca expedition. The photos also captured tense, unforgettable moments from her marathons, including swimming alongside massive cargo ships and passing under the Rio-Niterói Bridge.
Next big challenge: The English Channel
Targeting July 2027, Patrícia revealed she has secured her slot for an English Channel crossing attempt. The project will involve crowdfunding, corporate sponsorships, and speaking engagements focused on marine sustainability to fund the expedition's logistics.
Record-breaker quick-fire round with Patrícia Farias
In a fast-paced segment closing the episode, Patrícia answered rapid-fire questions about her sporting preferences. The ultra-marathoner expressed her love for rough seas and ultra-long distances, named hand paddles as her essential gear, and described swimming as a direct extension of her commitment to environmental protection.