Bengisu Avcı Completes North Channel, Becomes First Turkish Swimmer to Achieve Six Ocean’s 7 Courses
Bengisu Avcı, an ultramarathon swimmer from Turkey, has made history by swimming 41.2 kilometres in the icy waters of the North Channel, clocking in over 10 hours in 13-degree temperatures. This remarkable feat makes her the first Turkish swimmer to complete six of the seven grueling courses in the Ocean’s 7 challenge.
Avcı embarked on this arduous journey from Bangor, Ireland, and concluded her swim in Portpatrick, Scotland, proudly unfurling the Turkish flag upon arrival after a 10-hour marathon. Having already conquered the English Channel, Gibraltar Strait, Catalina Channel, Cook Strait, and Molokai Channel, she has cemented her status as a trailblazer in Turkish swimming.
Supported by AXA Turkey, where she serves as a ‘Values Partner’ under the motto ‘Why should the Future be a Risk’, Avcı aims to highlight the pressing issue of climate change. Her North Channel swim not only made her the fastest Turkish swimmer to cross this channel but also ranked her as the fourth fastest female swimmer globally.
Journey of Preparation and Perseverance
Avcı spent over a month in England preparing for this challenge, waiting for the ideal conditions between July 18-23. She began her swim alongside fellow swimmers Matt Murphy, Stephen Maloney, Brian Muzkian, and Steven Grimley during a favourable weather window. Unfortunately, Maloney had to turn back due to the cold, but Avcı persisted with unwavering determination.
Despite encountering a two-metre-long jellyfish, Avcı pressed on, and the weather improved by noon, facilitating her progress. As she approached the Scottish coast, she narrowly avoided another jellyfish, guided by warnings from her support team. Finally, after 10 hours and 48 seconds, she reached the shore, marking a significant milestone for herself and Turkish swimming.
Looking Ahead: The Final Frontier
Upon reaching the shore, Avcı unfurled the Turkish flag and inscribed ‘Turkey’ in the sand, marking her achievement as the fastest Turk to swim the North Channel. With only the Tsugaru Strait remaining in the Ocean’s 7 series, Avcı stands on the brink of making history. The date for her final challenge in Japan has yet to be announced.
