Marathoning Matrimony – A Deeply Emotional Embrace
A hug between husband and wife is one common expression of love and devotion. But when Pilar Geijo and her husband/coach Diego Tricárico hug at the end of a marathon swim, there is so much emotion, relief, pride and love involved in their embrace.
Especially when Pilar puts forward an outstanding effort like she did in dominating the 88 km Maratón Hernandarias-Paraná last week in Argentina in winning the women’s division in 9 hours 27 minutes.
“He knows me. He loves me. He knows what I want and I need,” explains Geijo.
“[During her marathon swims], I always want to give her the truth. She needs to know exactly what is happening during the race and on the water,” Tricárico smiled in response. He rarely sits down during her races and is always vigilant on her escort boat. He watches her rivals and the dynamic conditions out on the water as he frequently gives hand signals and writes succinct messages on a white board: true love and devotion.
Copyright © 2014 by World Open Water Swimming Association
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff. Note: WOWSA only recommends products or services used or recommended by the community. WOWSA does not receive compensation for links or products mentioned on this site or in blog posts. If it does, it will be indicated clearly on that specific post. See WOWSA's privacy policy for more information.
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