swimming became a national sport in brazil 1898, when the swimming club of rio de janeiro held the first brazilian championships, including a 1,500-meter race from fortress villegaignon to the santa luzia beach.

furthermore, rio de janeiro hosted the first short course (25 meters) international paralympic swimming world championships in december 2009.

the 2007 panpac and panam open water swimming competition also took place at copacabana beach. america's top open water swimmers faced a field of international competitors for the 10-kilometer race.