Wrexham born open water swimmer Hector Pardoe has commenced his 2025 season with a commendable 10th-place finish at the World Aquatics Open Water Swimming World Cup Stop 1 in Soma Bay, Egypt. This event marked the first major international open water competition since the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Pardoe, 24, returned to competition following a post-Olympic break and embraced the challenge of racing in new conditions. The Red Sea provided a visually stunning backdrop for the event, with warm waters and competitive racing conditions shaping the field.
Last year, Pardoe made history by securing a bronze medal in the men’s 10km at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha. That achievement made him the first British male swimmer to win a global open water medal since David Davies’ silver at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
With a packed season ahead, Pardoe is focused on maintaining consistency in his performances. The upcoming World Aquatics Championships in Singapore will be a major target, as he looks to build on last year’s success.
The Soma Bay event featured a highly competitive field, including Olympic silver medallists Moesha Johnson of Australia and Germany’s Oliver Klemet. Pardoe’s top-ten finish against such elite competition highlights his status as one of Britain’s leading open water swimmers.
As the 2025 season unfolds, Pardoe will continue refining his approach and gaining momentum toward his long-term goals on the international stage.
