From home favourites to Olympic champions, athletes share their thoughts ahead of a pivotal weekend of racing.

Angela Martinez – Spain

Angela Martinez returns to Ibiza with momentum—and memories—after her breakthrough 10km victory at this venue last year. World Aquatics met up with the 22-year old swimmer while she was taking a local swimming club through the paces of open water swimming in Ibiza two days before the World Cup gets underway.

Malaga-Based Martinez on Her Breakthrough 2025 World Cup Win in Ibiza

“Last year was incredible. To win at home was amazing. I’m going to try again this year—we’ll see what happens, but I’ll do everything I can.”

Racing on Home Waters Brings Both Comfort and Motivation
“My family is here—my dad, my sister, my brother, everyone. That really helps me.”

Natural-Born Leader in the Making

Still early in her international career, Martinez is already embracing her role as a role model.
“For me, it’s a pleasure to work with young kids and share my experience. I had never done it before, but I enjoy it so much.

“When I see these kids, I see myself four or five years ago.”

Representing Spain Remains Central to Her Mindset
“I’m very grateful. It’s amazing to represent my country.”

With a Demanding Race Schedule Ahead, Focus Turns to Execution
“We have two races, so recovery will be very important. I hope to feel good for both.”

Florian Wellbrock - Germany

For Florian Wellbrock, Ibiza presents a different test compared to the season opener, with colder water adding an extra layer of complexity. The 28-year-old from Magdeburg by way of Bremen, is coming in on an unprecedented winning streak – one that includes going a perfect golden four-for-four in open water at the World Aquatics Championships – Singapore 2025.

The 2020 Tokyo Olympic champion followed that up with two opening wins in the Men’s 10km individual and anchoring Germany to victory in the Mixed 4x1500m Relay at the Somabay, Egypt, in February.  

Differing Waters from Soma Bay to Ibiza to Test the Front-Running German

“The conditions here are completely different. The water is colder, which is always a challenge for me.”

Temperature Uncertainty Has Already Become a Key Talking Point

“I’m curious to see whether we race in wetsuits or not. Personally, I’d probably prefer a wetsuit—but it is what it is.”

Pragmatic Preparation

“I trained without a wetsuit because I expect we won’t use one. It’s about acclimatisation.”

Beyond conditions, the scale of competition stands out.

“There are 101 men racing—that’s unbelievable. It might be the biggest field we’ve ever had.”

For the Olympic champion, that signals growth. “It shows our sport is growing. That’s good for everyone.”

Despite Expanded Field, Wellbrock’s Approach Remains Unchanged

“I’ll focus on racing with the top guys. For the younger swimmers, it’s about gaining experience—this is how they learn.”

With Qualification Stakes Elevated, Expectations Follow

“For many nations, this is a key race. The level will be very high.”

Bettina Fabian - Hungary

Bettina Fabian arrives in Ibiza with renewed confidence after returning from a long injury earlier this season in the World Cup opener in Soma Bay. The Hungarian showed little signs of rust, finishing fifth while racing in the Red Sea.

Healthy & Back to Racing

“I’m very happy to be back. After Egypt, I have a lot of confidence, and I’m looking forward to racing.”

Ibiza = International Proving Grounds for Open Water’s 3km Knockout Sprint Format

“Last year was my first time racing it, and I won silver. I’d love to be back on the podium again.”

Balancing Ambitions Across Disciplines Will be Critical

“In the 10km, I hope to be in the top five or top 10. With European qualification at stake, it’s going to be a very strong race.”

Like Many Athletes, Fabian Has Her Eyes on the Wetsuit Situation Carefully

“I don’t really like swimming in a wetsuit—it can restrict your shoulders. But it keeps you warm.

“It might be better for the body, even if it doesn’t always suit performance. I’m comfortable in cold water too—I just don’t want to get sick.”

Conditions Aside, Ibiza Remains a Favourite

“The water is incredibly clear, the surroundings are beautiful, and the weather is great. And it’s Ibiza—everyone enjoys being here.”

Marc-Antoine Olivier – France 

Preparation has been deliberate for Marc-Antoine Olivier, who arrives in Ibiza following an altitude training block at the venerable Font Romeu training centre with Equipe de France and CN Antibes. He also comes into Ibiza with two key family members in tow as this World Cup marks the first time that Olivier’s nine-month-old daughter will see him race in a global competition.

Competing for Team France is on the Line in Ibiza

“We spent three weeks at altitude preparing for this World Cup because it’s important for European qualification. I feel ready.”

Ibiza's Personal Significance

“My family is here—my wife and my baby. I want to show that it’s possible to have both a family and a career in this sport.”

With Over 100 Athletes On The Start Line, Race Management Becomes Critical

“At the start, you need to stay very focused and avoid contact. After that, it’s about adapting and trying to stay in the top positions.”

Olivier Faces A Full Programme Across Distances

“I’ll race everything—the 10km, the knockout and the 5km at the Spanish Nationals on Sunday. The goal is to be in the top three in all three.”

Representing France Remains the Ultimate Weekend Objective

“If I can qualify and perform well, I’ll be very proud.”

As For The Defining Variable Of The Weekend...

“In open water, you always have to adapt. Back in 2016, I weighed 60kg; now I’m racing at 72kg, so that makes it a little easier to race in cold water without a wetsuit. Wetsuit or not—we’ll see.”

Paula Otero - Spain

For Paula Otero, competing in Ibiza is about more than results—it is about connection. We caught up with the 2025 European Championships silver medallist while working with local swimmers before the home World Cup weekend in Ibiza.

“It’s always an honour to represent Spain at home—for the people, for my family, and for the kids watching.”

Engaging with the Next Generation Reinforces that Perspective

“When I look at them, I see how much they enjoy the sport. For me, it’s an honour to be able to teach them.

“They have to enjoy it and believe they can do whatever they want. Mental strength is very important.

“They ask funny questions—about sharks, jellyfish, or how races work. It’s nice to see their curiosity.”

A Chance to Showcase the Essence of Open Water Swimming

“It’s a special environment. Not everyone understands it, but if I can share that feeling, I’m happy.”

With European Qualification in Focus and a Strong Women’s Spanish Team, Performance Remains The Priority

“The goal is to be in the top positions and represent Spain in the best way possible.”

Following a Breakthrough Silver Medal in the 3km Knockout at the 2025 European Championships, Otero’s Confidence Runs High

“I really enjoy that event. It was very special to win my first medal there, and I hope to do it again this season.”