The city of Tangier, Morocco, hosted the second edition of the Détroit Open Water Swim on September 26, 2026. The event, organized by the Tangier Triumph Team under the supervision of the Royal Moroccan Swimming Federation, brought together over 300 swimmers from various clubs, associations, and countries. The competition featured two main events: a 1500-meter race for amateurs and intermediate-level swimmers, and a main event for experienced swimmers and elite athletes.
The 1500-meter race for men was won by Moroccan swimmer Adam Karmadi, followed by his compatriots Essam Bahi and Hamza Shafik. In the women's category for the same distance, Spanish swimmer Aitana Gomez Castaneda took the top spot, ahead of Moroccan swimmers Fardous Serhir and Belgian swimmer Kortes Clemens. The main event for men was won by Turkish-Syrian swimmer Mohamed Naim Mesrouglu, followed by Moroccan swimmers Yahya Al Kadi and Youssef Abu Walid.
In the women's category for the main event, Moroccan swimmer Malak Makdar took the top spot, followed by Spanish swimmer Susie Ayoub Fatima and Moroccan swimmer Ilham El Azzouzi. The competition was marked by strong currents caused by winds, but the swimmers showed great skill and endurance. The event was well-organized, with a strong focus on safety, featuring inflatable boats, kayaks, and lifeguards.
Khalid Alou, president of the Tangier Triumph Team, expressed his satisfaction with the event, stating that it had achieved a significant impact both nationally and internationally. He noted that the number of participants had reached nearly 350, with women making up 30% of the field. Alou emphasized that Tangier had become a destination for open water swimming and that the event helped promote the sport and highlight the city's potential.
Moroccan swimmer Malak Makdar, who won the top spot in the main event for women, described the atmosphere as "excellent" and expressed her joy at winning despite the challenging conditions. Turkish-Syrian swimmer Mohamed Naim Mesrouglu, who won the main event for men, praised the organization and the level of competition, as well as the support provided by the clubs and the Royal Moroccan Swimming Federation.
The event is part of the Tangier Triumph Team's activities, aimed at developing triathlon, duathlon, and open water swimming, and promoting sports tourism in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region. The competition also seeks to encourage physical activity and protect the marine environment. The swimmers were required to use individual safety floats, and the organizers provided a range of safety measures to ensure a smooth and safe event.
The second edition of the Détroit Open Water Swim has demonstrated the growing popularity of open water swimming in Morocco and the region. With its unique blend of competitive racing and scenic beauty, the event is likely to continue attracting swimmers from around the world. The success of the event is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the organizers and the support of the local community.
Key points
- Over 300 swimmers participated in the second edition of the Détroit Open Water Swim in Tangier, Morocco.
