Turkish swimmer Bengisu Avci conquers Cook Strait

Bengisu Avci becomes first Turkish swimmer to cross New Zealand’s Cook Strait

Bengisu Avci, a 27-year-old Turkish ultramarathon swimmer, has etched her name in history by becoming the first Turkish swimmer to cross New Zealand’s treacherous Cook Strait successfully. 

Renowned for her previous record-breaking feats, including the English Channel and the Strait of Gibraltar, Avci added another milestone to her illustrious career.

On Tuesday, despite facing challenging conditions with water temperatures at 13 degrees Celsius (55.4 degrees Fahrenheit) and the looming risk of hypothermia, Avci embarked on a formidable 26-kilometer (16-mile) swim across the Cook Strait. Her journey commenced at 4 p.m. GMT the previous day, showcasing determination and endurance in adversity.

The Turkish Embassy in Wellington congratulated Bengisu Avci, stating, “A big applause to Bengisu! We congratulate Ms. Bengisu Avci, the first-ever Turkish swimmer to pass the Cook Strait!”This accomplishment marks the fourth leg of Avci’s ambitious 7 Oceans Seven challenge. She previously conquered the English Channel, completing a 36-kilometer swim on Aug. 3, 2018. 

Avci demonstrated her prowess by swimming across the Catalina Channel, spanning California’s Santa Catalina Island and Los Angeles, on Sept. 5-6, 2022. In August 2023, she successfully crossed the formidable Strait of Gibraltar, connecting Spain and Morocco.

Source: AA

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