Interview with Jorge Paulo Pereira, director of Swim GP
“We want every participant to feel like they are experiencing something great.”
Less than 2 months from Swim Grand Prix 2025, We sat down with the soul of the event: Jorge Paulo Pereira, race director and one of the great promoters of endurance sports in Portugal.
In this conversation we tell you about the evolution of the Swim GP since 2012 and how this journey has managed to position itself among the best in the world in the open water circuit.
About Jorge Paulo Pereira
Jorge Paulo Pereira He's much more than just the director of Swim GP. He's a TAP Air Portugal captain, an Airbus A330 pilot, and a sports enthusiast since childhood.
As an athlete, he is passionate about long distance, finishing in three events. HOMBRE DE HIERRO and also a medalist in open water swimming championships in 2008 and 2009.
He has been organizing sporting events since 2012. In addition to founding and directing the Swim GP, he is ambassador of the IRONMAN in Portugal and official organizer of the event since 2017. Its vision has always been the same: to create quality, soulful events that combine a sporting challenge with an authentic experience for participants.
Interview about SwimGP
1. How did Swim GP come about and what led you to promote an event of this magnitude in Portugal?
As a former swimmer and triathlete, I felt the need to bring a quality open water event to Portugal. I was inspired by wetsuit events I saw in the UK and wanted to create a unique experience in Cascais Bay. The Swim GP was also my first step toward bringing IRONMAN to Portugal—that's how it all began.
2. What has helped Swim GP establish itself as the country's largest open water event and gain international recognition?
"We were pioneers in offering long distances—5, 10, and 20 km—which didn't exist here at the time. We're committed to quality, the environment, and a complete experience. Year after year, we've worked hard to professionalize it and make it known to the entire world."
3. How has the number of participants and nationalities evolved over the years?
The event has been very well received; by 2025, we hope to exceed 800 participants, and we already have more than 80 registered for the ultramarathon alone.
The most notable thing is that 50% of the swimmers come from abroad, with more than 40 nationalities represented, with Portugal, Brazil, Spain, and the United Kingdom being the countries with the greatest participation.
4. This year, the Swim GP has been nominated for the WOWSA ranking and is part of the Ultramarathon Swim Series. What does being on that circuit mean to you?
This is a very important recognition for the event, as there are only four events worldwide within this series.
In 2023, we were nominated for Event of the Year and placed seventh worldwide. Being in the Top 10 is a huge reward and puts Swim GP Cascais on the international map.
5. What impact does this have on the international visibility of the event and on attracting swimmers from outside Portugal?
Overall. It's given us tremendous visibility. We've gained exposure, a reputation, and it's allowed us to attract elite swimmers, but also many amateurs who dream of swimming in an event of this level.
6. What sets the Swim GP apart from other international open water races?
Our route is unique: we start on the Tagus River in Lisbon, with a favorable current, and end at sea in Cascais.
The last few kilometers are tougher, but swimming among monuments and a beautiful coastline makes it special. There's no other race like it in the world.
7. For a Spanish or European swimmer, what facilities are there to get to Cascais?
Lisbon is very well connected. There are daily flights from major European capitals.
From the airport, you can reach Cascais in less than 40 minutes, either by train or highway. It's super accessible for coming to compete or spending a few days.
8. Is this an event designed only for elite swimmers or is it also open to amateur swimmers or triathletes training for a middle or long distance?
It's completely open. We have events from 1 km to 20 km. Many triathletes use it as a test for their IRONMAN. There are also events for children. Elite and amateur swimmers compete in the same race, which makes it very special.
9. There are seven distances available, from 1 km to 20 km. What criteria should a swimmer use to choose their ideal distance?
It depends on the objective. The long races (10 and 20 km on Saturday, 5 km on Sunday) are point-to-point.
The shorter ones—3,8 km, 1,9 km, 1 km, and kids—are closed circuits within the protected, wave-free bay of Cascais. Perfect for beginners.
10. Beyond the sporting aspect, what is the event experience like from the moment you arrive in Cascais until you cross the finish line?
Cascais is alive with atmosphere. It's the height of summer, with lots of people cheering, music, families, and tourists. You finish the race to applause, with a very special energy. It's an event to enjoy before, during, and after your swim.
11. What would you say to a triathlete who has never participated in an open water event like this? And what new and differentiating features does it offer for an experienced open water swimmer?
I'd say to a triathlete, this is the best place to start. It's safe, well-organized, and has a wealth of experience in triathlon events.
For an experienced swimmer, it offers a technically demanding test in an unparalleled setting. It's impossible not to want to do it again.
12. What does Cascais offer as a destination? Can the event be combined with a few days of sightseeing or relaxation?
Cascais has it all: history, gastronomy, museums, mountains, Blue Flag beaches... July is at its best. You can compete and then stay and relax or enjoy time with family or friends.
13. What other activities or parallel proposals are there during the weekend of the event?
There's music, a local market, cultural activities, and public spaces. It's a weekend to experience beyond the water. Those who come just to swim... end up staying longer.
14. What's your medium- to long-term vision for the Swim GP? Are you considering new formats, venues, or integrations?
We want the Swim GP to become a mass event. We're working on new formats and expanding its presence on the international circuit. We want to maintain the quality but reach more people.
15. For someone who hasn't registered yet, why would you recommend participating in this particular event?
Because there's nothing like it. For the course, the atmosphere, the organization, and Cascais. If you enjoy open water, the Swim GP is an experience you have to experience at least once in your life.
With everything it offers—a unique course, a city with history, and an organization with international experience—the Swim GP 2025 is not just another test of the calendar: is an opportunity to experience the spirit of open water at its finest.
What more could you ask for from an open water swimming event? If you were still hesitating, this is the sign you've been waiting for. Cascais awaits you with open arms!
More information on the official page https://swimgp.com/
