Open water has no boundaries, and these records are a true celebration of human endurance. From the English Channel to the Amazon river, these swimmers have pushed their limits and achieved feats that defy the imagination. Here are six open-water records, six of the most incredible challenges open water has to offer, and a glimpse of the physical and mental strength required to accomplish them!
Sarah Thomas: An exceptional English channel crossing
2019: Sarah Thomas made history by becoming the first swimmer to complete a quadruple English channel crossing without stopping. She covered 215 kilometers in 54 hours and 10 minutes, an impressive feat that testifies to her mental and physical strength.
Veljko Rogosie: The 65-year-old swimmer who pushed his limits
The Croatian Veljko Rogosie, 65, has held a remarkable distance record since 2006, with the world record for the longest distance swum in the open sea. He swam continuously for 50 hours, covering 225 kilometers in the Adriatic Sea. This feat shows that age is no obstacle when determination is present.
Ross Edgley: The first to swim around Britain
In 2018, Ross Edgley completed an impressive challenge: swimming around Great Britain. In 157 days, he covered 2,860 kilometers, becoming the first man to complete the adventure. An incredible endurance challenge, which he finished by breaking the record for a single-stage sea swim.
Barbara Hernandez: the siren of ice
In 2024, Barbara Hernandez pushed back the limits of endurance by swimming 2.5 km in the icy waters of Antarctica. In 45 minutes and 30 seconds, without wetsuit or fins, she completed the longest swim ever achieved in these extreme conditions. This extraordinary physical feat was achieved to raise awareness of the fragility of the South Pole and the urgent need to protect this ecosystem threatened by climate change.
Martin Strel: The Amazon swimmer
Martin Strel holds the record for the longest distance ever swum in a river. He swam 5,268 kilometers down the Amazon River, an impressive feat of endurance. 66 days, for a timeless feat that testifies to his ability to tame rivers and push back human limits. His adventure is so unique that he has even published a book about it!
Yane Petkov: swimming with bound feet and wrists
Yane Petkov achieved a unique feat: swimming 3.88 kilometers with his feet and wrists tied. To add more difficulty, he was also locked inside a bag... This challenge made him set a new world record, that took him over 3 hours to complete. This challenge shows just how far creativity and perseverance can push physical limits.
These open water records are more than just sporting achievements. They illustrate the resilience, passion and determination of swimmers who are not afraid to take on the unknown and push their own limits. A true tribute to the human spirit and the power of will!