In a remarkable display of strength, determination, and pride, three women from Zacatecas made their mark on one of Mexico’s most grueling open water events: the 2025 Cancún-Isla Mujeres International Crossing. The competition, which drew over 1,600 swimmers from around the world, pushed even the most seasoned athletes to their limits.
Jazmín Castorena, a member of the AOG Kukulkanes team, took top honors in her age group (30-34 years) for the 3.8 km distance, and an impressive fifth place overall among all participating women. Her exceptional perseverance, technique, and strength have solidified her position as a national leader in open water swimming and an inspiration to new generations of athletes.
Lorena Flores, representing the Golden Sharks club, showcased outstanding performance with a blistering time of 1 hour and 38 minutes for the 3.8 km distance. Her achievement earned her fifth place in her category, making it a valuable experience as she prepares for the upcoming 10-kilometer race. In the longer event, Flores completed the swim in an impressive 3 hours and 20 minutes, placing eleventh out of 54 competitors in her category—a testament to her growing skills and competitiveness.
Marcela Villa Cisneros, also a member of Kukulkanes de la AOG, made history by successfully completing her first 10 kilometers in open water. Finishing before the official time limit, she secured an impressive 40th place out of 659 participants in the overall standings for the 10-kilometer race. This achievement not only marks a significant personal milestone but also signals the beginning of a new competitive chapter, with potential participation in world events on the horizon.
The Cancún-Isla Mujeres crossing is notorious for its challenging conditions: a total distance of 10 kilometers, with 7.7 km swum against the current. This grueling event pushes even the most experienced athletes to their limits, both physically and mentally.
The outstanding performance of Jazmín, Lorena, and Marcela showcases the talent, discipline, and passion for the sport that Zacatecas has to offer. Their achievements serve as a testament to the growing presence of women in endurance events and on the international open water swimming scene.
Source: NTR Zacatecas
