We caught up with Jamarr in Somabay, Egypt, just before the start of the World Aquatics Open Water Swimming World Cup 2025 season with three of his teammates at Azura Florida Aquatics and coach, Gianluca Alberani.

World Aquatics: You’re coming off an incredible performance at the Pan American Junior Championships, where you won the 200, 400, 800, and 1,500-meter freestyle events. It’s been a great run for you as a scholarship athlete so far.

Jamarr: Yeah, it’s been an amazing experience. I’ve improved my times a lot, and I’m really happy with my results.

World Aquatics: You’re now in your second year as a scholarship athlete. What has contributed most to your improvement over the past year?

A Day in Davie, Florida | Jamarr’s Training

Jamarr: The training has been really intense but also very effective. It’s been challenging, but that’s what has helped me get better and keep pushing forward.

World Aquatics: Speaking of training, what’s a typical day like for you in Davie, Florida, as part of the programme?

Jamarr: We start with a morning swim session that lasts about an hour and a half to two hours. Then we have another session in the evening, plus dryland training. It’s a great setup, and I love the sunny weather in Florida. 

Aspiring Azura Athletes | Team Environment at a World Aquatics Training Centre

World Aquatics: What’s the team environment like? You’re training with other athletes from different countries—does that help keep you motivated?

Jamarr: Definitely. The team is really competitive, and having strong teammates pushes me to work harder in practice. It’s a great atmosphere.

World Aquatics: You mentioned enjoying the sunshine in Florida. Was there any culture shock when you moved to the U.S.?

Jamarr: Not really. I’m from Puerto Rico, and the weather is pretty similar. It wasn’t a big adjustment for me, and I enjoy it.

World Aquatics: How are the training facilities there? Do they provide everything you need to perform at a high level?

Jamarr: Yeah, the facilities at Nova Southeastern University are top-notch. We have a great pool for training and a big gym for dryland workouts. It’s a fantastic place to train. 

Jumping Up from the Junior Ranks to World Cup Racing... While Still a Junior Competitor

World Aquatics: You’re still a junior competitor, but you’re about to swim in your first open water World Cup—tomorrow, in the Red Sea. How does that feel?

Jamarr: It’s incredible. I’ve always wanted to compete in a World Cup, and this is a great opportunity to gain experience and prepare for the World Championships in Singapore.

World Aquatics: Do you have a race strategy for tomorrow? Moving up from the junior level to the elite level is a big step.

Jamarr: My focus is on feeling the water and getting back into open water racing. I haven’t competed in open water since the World Junior Championships in Italy, so this will be a good test to see where I’m at and just enjoy the race.

World Aquatics: Speaking of the World Junior Championships, last year you finished 12th in the 3km knockout sprint. What are your goals for this year’s competition?

Jamarr: I want to improve my placement. I think I finished 30th in the 10km last year, so my goal is to move up and be in a stronger position. 

Jamarr’s Thoughts on Open Water’s New Racing Format | 3km Knockout Race

World Aquatics: And what about the knockout sprint? That seemed to be a great race for you.

Jamarr: Yeah, I love that event—it’s my favourite. My goal is to reach the final and finish in the top spots.

World Aquatics: Do you think the knockout sprint is a good evolution for open water swimming? It gives athletes multiple races in a day and adds a new dynamic to the competition.

Jamarr: Absolutely. It’s a really fun format, and I think all the athletes enjoy it. It’s fast, intense, and adds excitement to the sport. 

Jamarr’s Upcoming Aquatics Horizons

World Aquatics: Looking ahead, how do you see your career progressing? You’re still young and have this great opportunity through the scholarship program. Where do you hope to go from here?

Jamarr: I feel like I’m improving a lot. This is my second year with the scholarship, and I’ve made big strides in both pool and open water swimming. I just want to keep pushing myself to reach the next level.

World Aquatics: Finally, do you have any advice for athletes considering the World Aquatics Scholarship Program—especially those from Puerto Rico who might want to follow in your footsteps?

Jamarr: I’d say go for it. It’s a great opportunity to improve, compete at a high level, and grow as an athlete and as a person.

World Aquatics: That’s great to hear. Thanks for your time, Jamarr, and best of luck in your race tomorrow!

Jamarr: Thank you!

Somabay Postscript

Jamarr finished 5th from the Americas and 46th overall at the Open Water Swimming World Cup 2025 opener in Somabay, Egypt. Finishing around six minutes behind the winner (Florian Wellbrock of Germany), Jamarr significantly reduced his gap from the 10km podium placers at the World Aquatics Championships, which took place in this same period last year.

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.