6-time Olympic medalist Rebecca Soni lives right near the Pacific Ocean in Manhattan Beach, California.
In addition to her outstanding pool swimming talent, she is “awesome” in the open water according to the USA Swimming national team coach Catherine Vogt.
This morning in the Cayman Islands, Soni will compete in her longest open water swim to date: the Flowers International 5k and 10k.
1) Preparation is everything. 2) Have no doubts. 3) There are no lane lines in the ocean. 4) Use the proper swim wear. 5) Vaseline and sunscreen are key. 6) Swim part of the course the day before the race. 7) Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. 8) Eat what you feel comfortable with the day before the race. 9) Arrive at the beach at least 45 minutes to an hour before the start. 10) Enjoy the race.
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.