Record Breaker: Denise Prado on Swimming as Therapy
Coach takes on the Natação Stemma quick-fire challenge, discusses open water swims, and highlights water's impact on quality of life.
In the Record Breaker segment of the Natação Stemma podcast, veteran coach Denise Prado shares her personal preferences in and out of the water. During the relaxed conversation, she discusses the therapeutic power of swimming and its positive effect on mental health.
In the fast-paced 'Record Breaker' segment of the Natação Stemma podcast, coach Denise Prado took on a race-against-the-clock challenge hosted by Samir Barel and Wanderley Santos. In one minute of rapid-fire questions, Denise shared insights and preferences shaped over decades of experience in the pool and the open sea.
Among the choices revealed during the quick-fire Q&A, Denise highlighted her preference for training in an outdoor pool in the morning with water at a comfortable 30°C (86°F)—ruling out braving 20°C (68°F). When it comes to routine, she prefers competing over simply training, enjoys a packed lane, and considers the pool her favorite place in the world. When discussing memorable races, she enthusiastically mentioned her desire to repeat a 16 km open water swim, stating that she has no regrets about any race she has ever contested.
Cinema, inspirations, and open water marathons
Outside the pool, cinema stands out as Denise Prado's main hobby. The coach highlighted films portraying extreme challenges in the water, such as Diana Nyad's story and historic English Channel crossings. The conversation also touched upon Ana Marcela Cunha's achievements in marathon swimming and her South American record in the English Channel. Denise fondly recalled the early days of the Olympic champion, who competed at a young age in the same events as her daughter, Aline.
Swimming as a lifestyle and mental health
Beyond performance and technique, Denise Prado emphasized that the sport's greatest reward lies in daily well-being. Defining the practice as her personal therapy, she highlighted how the aquatic environment fosters socialization, mental relief, and healthy longevity for swimmers of all ages.
The full episode of Natação Stemma also covers Denise Prado's career in youth coaching and her role as an anti-doping officer at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.