Underwater medallists: 10 marine species that would shine at the Olympics

This summer has been all about sport. The Paris 2024 Olympics have dominated screens and headlines around the world, keeping us on the edge of our seats as we followed athletes from different disciplines. For two weeks, we have witnessed their triumphs and setbacks, becoming unexpected experts in sports that many of us knew little about before. Above all, we have been inspired by the extraordinary skills and boundaries that humans are capable of surpassing.

At SUBMON, this has prompted us to consider the equally remarkable marine species and imagine: if they could compete in the Olympics, which sports would they excel in? As a result, we have put together what we believe would be the ultimate Olympic team of marine species. Here are the contenders that would undoubtedly bring home the medals:

Athletics – Running and swimming: Shortfin mako shark

Shortfin mako shark. Photo: Patrick Doll.

In one of the most iconic Olympic athletics events, the marine world would have many representatives. Among them, the shortfin mako – also known as the “peregrine falcon of the sea” – stands out as one of the fastest fish in the ocean. The shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), a pelagic shark of the Lamnidae family, can reach speeds of up to 50km/h, with some estimates suggesting that adult makos can reach 70km/h, making them the true sprinters of the ocean.

These sharks have a long, pointed snout and a streamlined body that makes them incredibly hydrodynamic. They also have a powerful half-moon shaped tail that propels them through the water. Their physical characteristics make them not only sprinters but also great swimmers, capable of covering an average distance of almost 60km a day.

Boxing: Mantis Shrimp

Odontodactylus scyllarus. Photo: CC Silke Baron.

What animal could be the underwater boxing champion if not the mantis shrimp? The mantis shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus) would be a strong contender for the gold medal in Olympic boxing. Besides having some of the best eyesight in the animal kingdom, the mantis shrimp is armed with club-like forelimbs that it uses to attack its prey. These appendages can reach accelerations of up to 102.000 m/s² of acceleration and more than 80 km per hour, the equivalent of 22-calibre gunshot acceleration. With this force, no rival in the animal kingdom can match this underwater heavyweight.

Marathon: Leatherback Turtle

Leatherback turtle. Photo: Carla A. Chicote / SUBMON. Photo taken with the permission of MITECO in the framework of the CETAMED NORTE project.

In the marathon of the depths, the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) would be the undisputed champion. Its epic migrations are the longest of any sea turtle, making it the ocean’s marathon runner par excellence. From their nesting grounds in the tropics, these turtles embark on titanic journeys as far south as New Zealand and as far north as the Arctic Circle. With migrations of up to 7.000 km, which can take several months, the leatherback turtle shows not only endurance but also a determination worthy of a true marathon runner.

In addition to its impressive migratory capacity, no other sea turtle dives to greater depths. Exceptionally adapted to diving, the leatherback can reach depths of over 1.000 metres and make voluntary dives lasting between 2 and 5 hours.

Synchronised swimming: Fish schools

Fish school (Sarpa salpa). Photo: SUBMON.

Precision and group cohesion are essential in synchronised swimming, and schools of fish exemplify these qualities perfectly. Their ability to move in coordinated and harmonious groups creates mesmerising patterns that rival the most complex human choreography. Species such as mullet, herring, anchovy, sardine, tuna and barracuda are known to form these impressive schools.

Forming a school is not only a visual marvel, but also serves vital functions. For one, it helps them find a mate, increasing their chances of reproducing. In addition, grouping creates the illusion of a “single large individual”, deterring predators and improving the group’s chances of survival. Their elegant and strategic group swimming not only ensures their survival, but also provides a gold-medal-worthy visual spectacle.

High jump: Bottlenose dolphin

Bottlenose dolphin. Photo: Carla A. Chicote / SUBMON.

In a high jump competition, the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) would be the star athlete, dazzling spectators with its spectacular acrobatics. Elegant leaps, surprising spins and impressive manoeuvres – its powerful musculature and hydrodynamic shape allow it to leap out of the water easily and reach great heights.

The bottlenose dolphin’s body is perfectly adapted to minimise water resistance and maximise speed, facilitating these impressive leaps. Their powerful tail fin is essential for propulsion, allowing them to reach heights that would make many terrestrial athletes blanch. As well as jumping, dolphins often perform these acrobatics as part of their playful behaviour, showing off their playful and curious nature. These jumps also help them survey their surroundings and locate schools of fish, combining fun with functionality in each leap.

Climbing: Poli’s stellate barnacle

Barnacles. Photo: Jordi Sánchez / SUBMON.

Climbing, a discipline recently added to the Olympic family for the Tokyo 2020 Games, also has its marine representative. The Poli’s stellate barnacle (Chthamalus stellatus) is one of the species that “climb” on rocks above the water. This benthic crustacean lives on rocks at a considerable distance from the water, demonstrating remarkable tenacity and adaptability.

Typical of the supralittoral zone, these barnacles adhere firmly to rocky surfaces, withstanding the action of waves and harsh environmental conditions. Their ability to remain in these elevated positions above the water, defying gravity and the force of the sea, makes these small crustaceans the true climbers of the marine world.

Archery: Cone snails

Cone snails. Photo: CC Ruth Hartnup.

If archery had a marine representative, cone snails would hold that honour. These extraordinary molluscs fire a poisonous harpoon to stun their prey before consuming it. The precision and lethality of their attacks make them the deadly archers of the sea.

Sailing: Portuguese Man o’ War

Portuguese Man o’ war. Photo: CC Sylvère Corre.

In any sea-related sport, marine animals would be the clear winners, and in a sport like sailing, we have a clear contender: the Portuguese Man o’ war (Physalia physalis). This fascinating creature moves using a sail-like structure. With a gelatinous sail measuring between 15 and 30 centimetres, the Portuguese man-o’-war navigates with elegance, driven by the wind, tides and ocean currents.

Fencing: Swordfish

Swordfish. Photo: Natàlia Amigó / SUBMON.

Our list would not be complete without the swordsman of the sea. Although everyone knows the swordfish (Xiphias gladius), few realise that its “sword” is actually an elongated beak. This formidable “weapon” is not used for stabbing but for slicing and striking its prey with great skill. Undoubtedly, in aquatic fencing, the swordfish would have no rival.

To close our list, we leave you with an intriguing question: in the triathlon, one of the toughest events, we’ve found two fierce competitors who could claim the gold medal: the seal and the penguin. Each excels both in water and on land, mastering swimming and walking or running out of the water. But who do you think would be the Olympic champion?