Moesha Johnson has continued her faultless form in the Spanish island, touching home first in the opening race of the Ibiza Open Water World Cup. Choppy waves and cold waters presented challenging conditions for the women’s field, and showed a true representation of the changeable nature of open water racing.

But the conditions and 18.6 degree celsius temperature were no match for Johnson’s proven adaptability, and remarkably, she led the pack for the entire race.

‘Conditions First, Tactics Second’

Speaking after her win, she said: “It was a really challenging race to approach because there were so many unknowns. We trained on the course yesterday and it was completely different today - the course changed late, the conditions kept shifting, and we went in with almost no idea of what to expect.

“The first laps were about figuring things out - where to sight, where the buoys were, how the race was unfolding. But with the cold, the priority quickly became just to keep moving and stay warm.

“Today, the biggest factor was dealing with the cold - mentally and physically. That’s why I pushed the pace more than usual. In cold water, your heart rate drops, so I was trying to keep it high to stay warm. I was really racing the conditions first, and then thinking about tactics second.

“I’ve done a lot of racing recently, including in the pool, and that’s given me confidence. The pool is very honest feedback on where your form is, and coming in here I felt fit and knew I had some speed.

“This season is a bit different without a World Championships or Olympics, so for me it’s about building a strong base and continuing to develop in both pool and open water. I still feel like I have more to give in both.”

Johnson now holds a staggering 11 World Cup medals, nine of which are gold. Rather unsurprisingly, she also holds the top stop in the overall rankings for 2026, and takes home 

Martinez Guillen Sprints to Silver

A valiant chase effort from Spain’s Angela Martinez Guillen on the final lap saw her taking silver, just five seconds off the leader.

The 23-year-old played a tactical game throughout the race, initially starting further down the group but always maintaining a top ten position. Having worked her way from eighth to fourth place heading into the final lap, she swam out of her skin to chase down Johnson’s feet and forced an extremely fast finish as a result.

This podium finish marks her fourth World Cup medal and places her in eighth position in the overall open water rankings so far in 2026.

“I still don’t quite believe it. It was a very hard race with big waves, but in the end, I think those conditions worked in my favour," Martinez reflected after the race. "I wouldn’t say I like these conditions, but they suit my swimming style. When the race is tough like that, it can play to my strengths."

But today's performance didn't come easy for Martinez. "Mentally, it wasn’t easy. At first, I felt quite negative—even before the race—but I knew I had to adapt. I reminded myself that I was here for a reason, and once the race got going, I was able to change my mindset and focus on doing my best in those conditions.

"There wasn’t one specific thing I did—it was just about adapting and accepting the situation."

Having a race in her home country helped. "It’s been really special to have my family here," Martinez said. "The support has been incredible, and the atmosphere has been very warm. It means a lot to share this moment with them.”

Mihalyvari-Farkas Claims First Individual World Cup Medal

Viktoria Mihalyvari-Farkas had an exceptional swim in Ibiza, winning bronze in what is her first ever individual Open Water World Cup medal. The Hungarian athlete is a previous European Champion in the pool (400m Individual Medley), and has been threatening to take a podium position in open water for some time.

Mihalyvari-Farkas’ sprint pedigree from the pool was firmly on display in Ibiza, as she and Guillen worked together on the final lap to chase the leaders Johnson and Ginevra Taddeucci.

The Hungarian played a similar hand to that of her Spanish competitor, sitting in and around tenth position for the majority of the race before storming through the field.

Having finished the 2025 open water season in tenth place in the overall rankings, she now sits in seventh following two stops in 2026.

"The conditions were challenging, but I felt ready—both mentally and physically—and I think that made the difference for me today," Mihalyvari-Farkas said. "It gave me extra determination, and I’m very proud to come away with my first World Cup podium. I felt really good. It was a strong race, and I think everyone gave their best out there."

Pou Finishes Fourth in ‘Favourite Conditions’

Monaco’s Lisa Pou finished just outside of the podium in what she described as her favourite type of racing conditions today. Having taken her own line for the majority of the race and swimming away from the pack, the World Championships bronze medallist said: “I always try to find my own gap.

“I really enjoyed the race because I like big waves and this is always challenging to take the right gap. I don't think I did it the right way, but this is still experience for the next races.

“There were a lot of currents, but this is what I like the most - I’m really satisfied, I could have maybe finished in third place but I’m okay with that.”

Strong Showing from Junior Athletes

USA’s Brinkleigh Hansen was the first junior athlete across the line today, finishing in 15th position in what was a stacked field of 67 world-class athletes.

Hansen, who became 10km US National Champion in 2025, said: “It felt like a really strong race. The conditions were tough - it was very up and down with the waves - but it was exciting to be out there racing.

“This is my second World Cup, and I just wanted to see how much I’ve improved and compete again against the best in the world. It’s a big step up from the junior level, and you really have to stay patient and take it one loop at a time.

“Cold water isn’t my strength, but it’s challenging for everyone, and I think I handled it as well as I could.

“What I’m most proud of is staying strong mentally, especially on the first straight where it was hard to sight. I just focused on believing in myself. For tomorrow, I’ll reset and go again. I’m just looking to have fun and race well.”

Another Junior athlete that had an extraordinary race is 15-year-old Su Inal, who finished in 20th position in her debut World Cup.

The teenager from Turkey said she felt ‘excited and proud’ following her result, and has big ambitions ahead of tomorrow’s 3km Knockout Sprint race. She said: “This was my first World Cup, and I’m very excited and proud of myself.

“It was a really hard race, the conditions were crazy - but I’m happy with how I performed. Coming from the junior level to race here is a big step, but it’s a great experience.

“I’m very motivated for the future, and I want to keep improving. My goal is to win at the junior level, and tomorrow I will aim for a gold medal in the knockout.”

Poland’s Klaudia Tarasiewicz finished in 5th, a result she commented she’s ‘very happy’ with. Ginevra Taddeucci touched in sixth, while Lea Boy and Bettina Fabian rounded out the top eight, respectively.

The Ibiza stop of the World Aquatics Open Water Swimming World Cup will continue tomorrow with the 3km Knockout Sprints, with the Women’s race starting at 9:00am local time and the Men’s edition following at 11:00am.

Contributing: Torin Koos