Indianapolis creative wins gold at Merlympics
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Brenden Hudson (left) was a member of the gold medal-winning Team USA at the Merlympics (right). Photos: Courtesy of Brenden Hudson and Laura Lewis/Fins and Fairies
When Brenden Hudson discovered the world of mermaiding five years ago, he found it combined his two passions — swimming and costuming.
Diving the news: Hudson, a merman performer and marketing director from Indianapolis, was one of six athletes who represented the U.S. last month at the Official Merlympics 2025 in Wolfsburg, Germany.
- Team USA bested over a dozen other countries to bring home the gold medal.
- Plus: Hudson won individual gold in the men's competition.
What he's saying: "Mermaiding is just really magical," Hudson said, "especially when you see mermaids through the eyes of kids.
- "Representation is really important for me. These kids don't always get to see boys that sparkle and shine."
- His mer-sona, Merman Chatravee, also highlights his southeastern Asian heritage. Chatravee is his middle name, given by his Thai mother.
State of play: A competitive swimmer through school, Hudson lost touch with the water as an adult but found a passion for drag and cosplay.
- Mermaiding combined both and he was immediately hooked.
Just one problem: Indiana is mostly landlocked.
- The closest merfolk classes are in Chicago, where he got certified and found a community.
- Hudson joined with the Windy City Mermaids performance group and helped start the Mermaid Swim Club to train other mermaids on the swimming and athletic aspects of the hobby.
Hudson found out he made the U.S. team for the Merlympics in November.
- His teammates lived in Florida, Utah and Mississippi, so they only had one weekend to practice together in person before heading to Germany last month.
How it works: While the Merlympics aren't affiliated with the traditional Olympics, the competition has a similar structure with multiple events for individuals and teams. Along with the synchronized swim, events included:
- A 50-meter surface swim, testing speed in the monofin (which takes serious core strength).
- An underwater rescue, emphasizing the merfolk oath of safety.
- An underwater photo shoot, judging poise and appearance.
- Hudson's individual choreography was performed to "Carousel" by local singer-songwriter Eric Pedigo.
The last word: "Mermaiding is fun," Hudson said. "It's beautiful. But it can also be dangerous. You are binding your feet in water you can't stand up in. If someone wants to go mermaiding, always bring a buddy that's not in a mermaid tail."