If you have swam an UltraSwim 33.3 event before, and been there at the same time as Marco, it’s guaranteed that you will remember him! He famously cheers every single swimmer over the finish line!

We’ve asked Marco a few questions about his experience at UltraSwim 33.3 and his upcoming world record attempt.

You have attended five UltraSwim 33.3 events including pioneer events. Why are the pioneer events different from the normal events and what do you like about them?

Pioneer events give you the chance to swim without any reliable references. It's like exploring a new land, sharing sensations with organizers and swimming companions, and being able to provide important references for subsequent events. It's somehow a pleasant responsibility. The small number of swimmers gives you an even greater sense of family, where your problem is my problem and your success is my success. Everything is amplified and special. The relationships that are created become truly intimate and special.

Could you tell us a bit about your history with UltraSwim 33.3, which is now a shared journey with your wife?

Every 33.3 event has given me the feeling of a group, a tribe and a family. Every event has been different from the last. Every event has allowed me to meet new people and reconnect with old friends. The participants share the same passion, the same challenges, and the same principles. This way, a special bond is created with each of them. It's an event that doesn't end at the finish line of each stage. It continues at the refreshment points, at the briefings, at dinner. The atmosphere is indescribable, it’s fantastic. It's hard to explain in words. These are sensations to be experienced. It's a cross-gender, age-level, competitive and adventurous event. Everyone has their own shared goal. You can swim with world-class champions who are available to you, offering advice and smiles. Only at 33.3 does this happen.

You bring so much energy to the finish line, right up to the very last swimmer. Why is it important to you to be so supportive of other swimmers even when you are normally one of the first finishers?

In 33.3, the result isn't the most important thing. I believe that every swimmer who takes on this challenge is putting themselves on the line, defying fatigue and fear. What I feel when I finish first is the same as those who finish after me. Different times, same feelings. This makes us equal beyond time. When people cheer me on, they root for me, I feel gratified. And if we're traveling companions, it's right that everyone feels it. Whatever position you occupy, you know there's someone out there waiting for you. It's an extra motivation to push your limits. And then... I'm Italian - I make noises by definition!

Could you tell us more about your planned record swim this summer?

In September, I'll attempt to set the world record for unassisted continuous swimming. I'll need to cover at least 170 km in under 72 hours without ever leaving the water. I'll eat, sleep, and then sleep in the water. It's a very demanding event that will see me surrounded by the best professionals for swimming, nutrition, and customized technical equipment for the event. I'm training hard, alternating specific tests in and out of the water to understand my body's reactions to extreme fatigue, sleep deprivation, and nutrition in the water. It's challenging but extremely interesting. All training sessions and tests can be followed on my channels.