Bárbara Hernández Makes History as First Chilean Inducted into International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame

Original article: Es oficial: Chilena Bárbara Hernández ingresó oficialmente al Salón de la Fama de la Natación Internacional

 “The ‘Ice Mermaid’ Makes History: First Chilean in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame”

Chilean swimmer Bárbara Hernández, renowned as the “Ice Mermaid,” was officially inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 16, in San Diego, California.

According to Cooperativa.cl, she is the first Chilean and the seventh Latina woman in history to receive this prestigious global recognition in open water swimming.

The international committee honored her as an “Honor Swimmer,” a category specifically for individuals with over a decade of experience, remarkable ultra-distance feats, and significant contributions to the development of open water swimming. Radio Cooperativa highlighted her consistency, leadership, and influence, noting her more than 23 years of commitment to the sport and accomplishments such as her double crossing of the English Channel in July 2025.

“I want to thank for this recognition and dedicate it to all Chileans who believe in the impossible,” Hernández remarked, as quoted by Swim Chile. She added that this milestone demonstrates that achievements in non-traditional sports can reach global standards and pave the way for future generations, while also advocating for ocean conservation.

Following her induction into the Hall of Fame, the “Ice Mermaid” is gearing up for one of her greatest challenges: completing the double crossing of Santa Catalina Channel in the United States in August 2026. Swim Chile emphasizes her aim to achieve the Double Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming, a groundbreaking feat yet to be accomplished in Latin America.