Cunha pursued higher education in Physical Education at the University of Santa Cecilia (Unisanta) in Brazil. She represents Universidade Santa Cecilia and the Brazilian Navy in her sporting endeavours. Her personal coach, Fernando Possenti, has been guiding her since 2017.

Memorable Achievements

One of Cunha's most notable achievements is winning gold in the 10km event at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. This victory marked a pinnacle in her career, especially after her Olympic debut in 2008 and subsequent challenges in 2012 and 2016.

Injuries and Recovery

In October 2016, Cunha underwent surgery to remove her spleen due to an autoimmune disease. Despite this setback, she returned to full training by January 2017, showcasing her resilience and determination.

Superstitions and Beliefs

Before major international competitions, Cunha likes to get a new hairstyle. She believes that having clear goals makes it easier to train and perform well, taking each step methodically.

Awards and Honours

Cunha has received numerous accolades throughout her career. In 2021, she was honoured with a medal from the president of Brazil for her performance at the Tokyo Olympics. The Brazilian Olympic Committee named her Open Water Swimmer of the Year nine times. She also received the Braz Cubas Honour Medal of Merit in 2019 and was inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame that same year.

Other Sporting Ventures

Besides open water swimming, Cunha competed in pool swimming at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. This versatility highlights her diverse talents within aquatic sports.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Cunha aims to win gold in the 10km event at the 2022 World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan. She also plans to complete a round swim of the English Channel, further cementing her legacy in open water swimming.

Other Activities

Cunha established the Ana Marcela Institute to promote open water swimming across Brazil. She aims to spread awareness about the sport, leveraging Brazil's vast coastline and numerous rivers as ideal training grounds.

Navy Representation

Cunha represents the navy as part of the High Performance Athletes Programme under the Brazilian Ministry of Defence. This role underscores her commitment to both her country and her sport.

Ana Marcela Cunha's journey is a testament to her dedication and passion for swimming. Her achievements continue to inspire many aspiring athletes worldwide.