Open water swimmer Rehder (FIN), the physiotherapist of champions

Alexander Rehder lives for sports. The big Brazilian successes of surfer Italo Ferreira and open water swimmer Ana Marcela Cunha passed through his hands. Alexander is Brazilian and works as a physiotherapist. He was in Tokyo when Ferreira made history by securing the discipline's first ever gold medal at the Olympic Games, and a few days later he witnessed Cunha's victory in the women’s 10km, a first for the Brazilian athlete.

Now it is the turn of Alexander, who arrived in Rome with his wife Rebeca, also a physiotherapist. "This is the first time I am competing in a European international competition. It is fun and exciting at the same time. Sport teaches you how to win and lose and is very important for your health."

The 43-year-old, who represented Finland in the 3km, loves open water swimming and also surfing. "These two sports have direct contact with water and thus with nature. They are easy to access, very technical, but also beautiful. Working with recovering athletes in both, I observe everything that goes around. I am grateful to my athletes, they are an example to thousands of people".

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