An Intercontinental Swim
What is this about?
It’s about diving into the sea and swimming the distance between Spain and Morocco. In other words, it’s an intercontinental swim.
Swimmers from all over the world set their sights on crossing the Strait of Gibraltar. These goals go beyond personal challenges—they often carry a deeper purpose, including altruistic causes.
Why?
Swimming comes to each of us in a different way, and it means something unique to every person.
For us, it has been a source of extraordinary experiences—athletic, personal, and life-changing.
The four of us have spent nearly every day in the pool for more than 48 years.
Crossing the Strait of Gibraltar represents a goal, a challenge, and a privilege. It is an opportunity not only to test ourselves, but also to give something meaningful back to society and to children—through the noble sport that has given us so much.
Thank you to
Guelph Triathlon Club
our Silver sponsor
Thank you to
Royal Containers our Bronze sponsor.
Your support helps make this expedition possible—from the specialized escort boats and experienced pilots to the extensive safety protocols required for one of the world’s most demanding open water swims. More importantly, it allows this extraordinary athletic challenge to become a powerful vehicle for compassion, awareness, and lasting impact.
Who are we?
Enrique Flores
Enrique began swimming at a very young age. His talent and enthusiasm quickly led him to compete internationally, where he gained decades of experience and knowledge.
In his early twenties, life took him to England, where he developed a deep appreciation for the cold waters of the North Sea.
In 2007, he successfully swam across the English Channel, earning his place among elite long-distance swimmers. Since then, Enrique has completed numerous marathon swims, always driven by a strong commitment to giving back and helping build a better world.
He currently serves on the board of directors of the Channel Swimming Association.
Juan Carlos Partida
Juan Carlos began swimming as a child, progressing through competitions of various levels until becoming a high-performance swimmer in Mexico.
He continued his journey while earning a law degree from Universidad de las Américas Puebla, and later as a master swimmer, competing internationally in events such as Pan American Championships and World Championships.
While most of his experience is in the pool, he has also participated in open water races of various distances, including the 10 km “El Cruce”—a renowned event where swimmers from around the world attempt the crossing from Cancún to Isla Mujeres in Quintana Roo, Mexico.
Luis Lopez
A lifelong Athlete. Born in Santiago de Cuba, Luis was scouted as a child to train in Havana’s sports schools as a competitive spring boards and platforms diver.
By 14 he was National Champion, and he went on to rank among the world’s best 3m springboard divers.
Life later brought him to Canada, where through relentless dedication he built a new life and transformed his elite aquatic talent into multi-sport excellence. Today Luis swims, bikes, and runs as a standout triathlete, competes in stand-up paddle board racing, and brings the same discipline and humility to coaching—generously sharing expert guidance with everyone who seeks it.
He brings elite experience, steady focus, and a generous spirit to the Gibraltar tandem team.
Miguel Vadillo
At the age of six, Miguel was inspired by a swimming school promoting its programs and convinced his parents to enroll him in lessons. Soon after, he was invited to join a competitive team, setting the course for his life.
Miguel has participated in a wide range of events, especially in his favorite discipline: open water swimming in both sea and freshwater.
In 2004, he moved to Canada. Inspired by Enrique’s success in the English Channel, he set out to swim the 52 km distance from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Toronto across Lake Ontario. He became the second Mexican in history to complete this challenge, raising over $13,000 and helping 300 immigrant children in Canada gain access to swimming lessons.
In 2014, he founded Embrace Open Water Swimming, a school that trains athletes of all levels—from beginners to elite competitors.
GIVING BACK
This swim also supports important charitable causes:
Juan Carlos collaborates with “Una Nueva Esperanza Foundation”
https://unanuevaesperanza.mx/
a nonprofit organization that supports children and young people with limited resources by providing access to cancer treatment and improving their quality of life throughout every stage of the disease.
Enrique is a long time admirer and supporter of the work of “Sisters of Mary World Villages for Children”, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of child poverty through education and care, helping children living in extreme poverty.
https://worldvillages.org/mexico/
Luis and Miguel collaborates with “Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke” in Ontario, Canada, which offers programs focused on emotional well-being, skill development, and long-term stability for families affected by violence. In particular, they support a program that provides sports activities for children, with funds directed toward swimming lessons.
The legacy
This is more than a swim.
It is a test of courage, endurance, teamwork, and determination.
A place where powerful currents collide, water temperatures change unexpectedly, commercial shipping lanes remain active, and large marine mammals share the same waters.
Every stroke demands careful planning, experienced escort crews, and uncompromising safety.
For long-distance open water swimmers, the Strait of Gibraltar is one of the most coveted and respected crossings in the world. When the four of us reach the shores of Morocco, we hope our greatest achievement will not be the distance we covered.
We hope it will be the lives we helped change.
Our crossing is dedicated to supporting three remarkable organizations whose work transforms communities every day:
Every donation, every sponsorship, and every person who shares our story becomes part of this legacy.
We invite companies, organizations, and individuals to join us as partners in a mission that reaches far beyond the finish line.
The Gibraltar Strait crossing will last only a few hours. Its impact can last much longer.
Together, we hope to inspire future generations to dream bigger, embrace challenges, and understand that sport has the power to unite people across cultures, countries, and continents.
