The Arena AquaChallenge, one of the most comprehensive open water swimming organizations, will be held in Marmaris on October 25–26, 2025. The Arena AquaChallenge Silver Cup will see over two thousand athletes swim in nine different categories, offering competitors more than just a sports event amidst the unique nature of Marmaris.
Sharon van Rouwendaal, the legendary name in open water swimming and the recipient of the “Athlete of the Year” award in 2024, has arrived in Turkey as part of the International Arena AquaChallenge Swimming Championship. During her visit, Rouwendaal will also take part in projects aimed at contributing to the development of swimming culture in the country.
A press conference was hosted by Joep Wijnands, the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Turkey, at the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Istanbul, attended by a limited number of journalists. Participants included Ambassador Wijnands, Arena AquaChallenge Chairman of the Board Selçuk Demirel, Olympic Champion Sharon van Rouwendaal, and representatives from the main sponsor, Yüce Auto–Škoda.
In a statement made by Yüce Auto–Škoda, the company highlighted its continuous support for values that bring together sports, endurance, and inspiration. It was stated that the spirit of open water swimming, which embodies courage, consistency, and pushing boundaries, is in great harmony with the brand’s DNA. Through the AquaChallenge collaboration, the company expressed its satisfaction in contributing to the development of swimming culture and in bringing the inspiring achievements of female athletes to a wider audience.
Sharon van Rouwendaal is the first athlete to win gold medals in open water swimming at two different Olympics and the only name in history to hold a total of three Olympic medals. She is also considered the most successful open water swimmer of all time, with four World and eight European Championships. Rouwendaal, who was selected as the “Female Athlete of the Year” by the World and European Swimming Federations in 2024, represents the power of women in global sports with her discipline, consistency, and grace.
