As the international open water season kicked off in Somabay, Egypt, we spoke with four open water scholarship athletes training at Azura Florida Aquatics, the World Aquatics Training Centre in Davie, Florida (USA).   

Pilar Canedo is now up in this multiple-part interview series with World Aquatics Scholarship holders training out of Davie, Florida.

World Aquatics: We're here in sunny Egypt, getting ready for the first World Cup of the year across any sport. How are you feeling?

Pilar: I feel great! I’m really happy to be here for my first World Aquatics Open Water World Cup. I’m also really proud because I’m 20 years old, and I’m the first Uruguayan to compete in an Open Water World Cup.

World Aquatics: That’s amazing—already making history right from the start! You're a World Aquatics scholarship athlete. How has that scholarship helped you improve since training at Azura Florida Aquatics?

Pilar: Training in the U.S. has really changed my mentality and helped me push myself harder. The environment at Azura is incredible—the coaching, my teammates, and the overall atmosphere. It’s all been really positive for me.

World Aquatics: You mentioned the vibe with your team. Can you tell us more about what it’s like training with athletes who are on a similar path—coming from different countries but coming together in Davie, Florida?

Pilar: It’s been such a great experience. We support each other, push each other in training, and also have a lot of fun. The energy is always high, and it really helps me stay motivated.

World Aquatics: And what do you love most about Davie, Florida—both the place and your coaches?

Pilar: Living in Florida is amazing! The weather is sunny and warm every day, which is perfect for training. The coaching staff is incredible, and every session is intense but rewarding. I’m really happy to be training there.

World Aquatics: Now, we’re just a day away from the Open Water Swimming World Cup. How are you feeling heading into the competition?

Pilar: I feel really good. Training has gone well, and I feel strong in the water. There are a lot of emotions because it’s my first World Cup, but I’m excited and ready to race.

World Aquatics: And what’s next for you? Will we see you at the World Junior Championships? The Pan Am Junior Championships? The World Championships in Singapore?

Pilar: Yes! This year, I’ll be competing at the Pan Am Junior Championships and my first World Championships in Singapore. I’m really looking forward to those competitions.

World Aquatics: That’s exciting! And looking ahead, where do you see yourself in open water swimming in the next year, two years, or even five years?

Pilar: This is just the beginning for me. I want to keep improving, especially in the 10-kilometer race. My goal is to keep developing as an open water swimmer and see how far I can go in the sport.

Somabay Postscript

Pilar finished fifth out of the competitors from the Americas and 46th overall at the Open Water Swimming World Cup in Somabay, Egypt. She made history for Uruguay, becoming the first woman from her country to complete a 10km race on the Open Water Swimming World Cup.

Want to Know More? | World Aquatics Scholarship Programme

Since its launch in 2014, the World Aquatics Scholarship Programme has provided financial and technical support to talented yet under-resourced aquatic athletes. Now in its 11th year, the programme currently supports 50 swimmers, 15 open water swimmers, 8 divers, 7 artistic swimming duets, and, for the first time, 6 water polo players.

Find out more about World Aquatics Scholarships here.