by InTrieste
This year’s state competition, part of the annual MareNordest, is making waves with a unique focus on women, honoring their contributions and showcasing their remarkable feats in open water swimming.
Edoardo Nattelli, General Manager of MareNordest, shares the inspiration behind this year’s theme. “We have an athlete, Valentina Coppola, who recently swam 140 meters under the ice. Her achievement has inspired us to dedicate this year’s event to women,” Nattelli explains.
The highlight of MareNordest 2024 is a challenging 27-kilometer swim from Croatia’s westernmost tip, passing through Slovenian waters, and concluding in front of Trieste. This swim, initially conceived as a friendly jest, has evolved into a serious undertaking led by Silvia Boy from Turin.
“Silvia is not a professional swimmer. She swims purely for the love of it, practicing once a week at her local pool. She is incredibly eager to participate in this event, which aligns perfectly with this year’s theme, ‘A Sea Without Frontiers,'” says Nattelli.
The competition’s title, ‘A Sea Without Frontiers,’ reflects the geographical and cultural unity of the Adriatic Sea, spanning Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. “Trieste is the only Italian town on the Adriatic where you can see the sunset over the sea. It symbolizes unity and the absence of borders on the sea,” Nattelli elaborates. The event poster, depicting representatives from the three nations, encapsulates this sentiment.a
Adding a splash of color to the event is the significant presence of female participants, infusing the competition with vibrant energy and a spirit of inclusivity. “This year, it’s all colored with pink because we have lots and lots of women coming,” Nattelli beams.
As Trieste prepares to host this extraordinary event, the message is clear: the sea knows no boundaries, and neither does the spirit of these remarkable women swimmers.
