Team 8 – USA

All teams

//

Team 8 – USA

us flag

About

Team 8 – USA

A team built on experience, strategy, and a shared drive to push beyond limits enters the One Water Race lineup. Bringing together athletes from the United States and Sweden, they combine battle-tested race experience with fresh energy and a hunger to prove what they are capable of.

With multiple strong swimmers, a tactically sharp mindset, and previous One Water Race experience already within the team, they are prepared to handle both the physical demands and the strategic challenges of the archipelago. Known for their ability to solve problems in real time and support each other through the toughest phases of a race, they aim to operate as one cohesive unit from start to finish.

Driven by the ambition to stay close to the front of the race and push through the decisive final stages.

Athletes of

Team 8 – USA

– Why do you want participate in One Water Race?

We want to participate in One Water Race because we see it as the ultimate expression of swimrun in its purest, most demanding form. Other endurance events have pushed us, but none have yet revealed the true depth of our limits – and we’re hungry to find them. This race offers not only an unmatched physical and mental challenge, but also a rare team dynamic where the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts. We’re driven to test ourselves, rely on each other, and rise together in one of the most authentic and formidable races in the world.

– Which strengths make your team capable of succeeding in a race like this?

Our team’s strength lies in complementary abilities and a unified mindset. With three strong swimmers, we can share the workload efficiently and support one another when low points inevitably hit at different times. We’re highly strategic and tactical in our preparation, and we thrive on solving problems in real time – an essential trait for a challenge as unpredictable as One Water Race. When it comes to experience, we have a teammate who has already finished OWR and knows exactly what it takes to endure and succeed. Together, our experience, teamwork, and resilience make us a formidable and capable team.

– What are your weaknesses or areas of concern in this type of challenge?

Our primary area of concern is orienteering; while we’ve been training consistently, we know we still have improvements to make, which is why a significant part of our preparation is dedicated to sharpening that skill. We believe we have the speed to stay with the top teams, but the true challenge will be executing everything cohesively under pressure and keeping our bodies intact – especially as fatigue sets in during the second night. Balancing navigation, pace, and physical durability will be critical, and we remain focused on turning these potential weaknesses into strengths by race day.

– What goals does your team have for participating in One Water Race?

Our goal is clear: to touch the lighthouse door and never fall more than four hours behind the front of the race. However, success for us goes beyond the result. We want to race as a truly unified team – supporting one another, communicating openly, and trusting each other when the inevitable dark moments arrive. One Water Race is as much about resilience and connection as it is about speed, and we aim to embody both. By staying together, lifting each other up, and pushing as one, we hope to finish strong and proud of how we raced.

– Have you raced together as a team before? If yes, in what races?

Mara and Andy have raced together for two full swimrun seasons, building a strong, proven partnership. Kawika and Andy haven’t raced as a team, but they’ve spent many days together on multiple Catalina trips designing the ÖTILLÖ course, giving them a deep working rapport. Jonas is new to the team, adding fresh energy and perspective. While our racing history varies, we’re committed to developing as a cohesive unit. We plan to race multiple swimrun, orienteering, and endurance events together over the coming year as preparation for One Water Race 2026, ensuring we arrive as a well-tuned, tightly coordinated team.

– Is there anything else you would like to share?

Our team is fully committed and ready to dedicate the year to preparing for One Water Race. We already share strong cohesion, with most of us having known each other for years – collaborating, competing side by side, and constantly exchanging training insights and technical notes. This foundation gives us a deep sense of trust and an efficient way of working together under pressure. We’re motivated, aligned in purpose, and excited to push our limits as a unified team. We believe our collective experience, shared history, and dedication will position us to perform at the highest level in 2026.