A feat in Cuban waters: Gran Retto Varadero 2025 brings together the best open water swimmers

The fourth edition of the Gran Retto Varadero 2025 Open Water Crossing brought a new chapter of success this Sunday. With the celebration of the 5 and 10-kilometer flagship events, the event proved not only to be highly competitive, but also a festival that positions Cuba at the top level for continental sports tourism.

The day defined the absolute champions of the races, in an atmosphere where international camaraderie and sportspersonship were as important as the elite swimmers.

The 21-year-old Mexican, Ramsés Miranda, retained his title for the second consecutive year in the demanding 10-kilometer race, once again demonstrating his prowess in Cuban waters.

For him, the event goes beyond the competition. “Everything is very well organized and beautiful. It’s all very fun, very joyful,” shared the two-time champion, who highlighted the festive atmosphere. Miranda placed special emphasis on the bonds forged in the water: “Mexico has always wanted to participate and come with the Cubans.

We have a close relationship.”Meanwhile, Havana native Vladimir Alejandro Hernández Mojarrieta completed a masterful double, winning the 5km event after having won the 3km the day before. “It’s a very mental event, above all,” he stated, describing the sea conditions as “complicated” in some sections.

His sights are already set on a bigger goal: using this victory as a boost for qualifying for the 10km event at the upcoming Central American Games.

On the women’s podium, the awards went to Havana native Ana Laura Bermúdez, the 5km champion, and Mexican Tania García, who won the 10km event.Hailing from Guadalajara, Jalisco, García had her first experience in Cuban waters and couldn’t hide her enthusiasm: “The beach was very calm, comfortable.

We really enjoyed it, the sea was even warm,” she commented, contrasting this with the cold temperatures she is accustomed to.

She also highlighted the impeccable organization of the event. “The buoys were very good, the hydration facilities, the entire event was very well coordinated.”Organized by the Mexican brand Gran Retto, Cubadeportes S.A., the National Institute of Sports and Recreation (INDER), and with Havanatur as the official host, the institutional support for the event guarantees its excellence.

A clear indicator of its growing importance on the aquatics scene was the distinguished presence of Maureen Croes, president of PanAm Aquatics, whose endorsement consolidates the event as an essential showcase for Pan American sport.

With an overwhelming presence of athletes from Mexico and Cuba, representing 98% of registered participants, the event proves to be a bridge of solidarity and friendship between the two nations.