2024-08-30 14:58:35
Next Friday, September 6, the first Bulgarian to swim the distance from Europe to Africa (2022, through the Strait of Gibraltar) and world champion in ice swimming, Tsanko Tsankov, will attempt a record of 100 kilometers of swimming non-stop in the Danube River.
Tsankov’s route starts from Bononia Estate, Vidin and will end at the Radetsky ship in Kozloduy. The World Federation WOWSA will monitor the distance by GPS coordinates and the Bulgarian’s team is committed to complying with the necessary rules for the 100 kilometers in order to be recognized officially as an achievement the swimming itself.
Until now, there is no such thing recorded in the history of the Danube, and Tsanko Tsankov will be the first who will be in the waters of the river between the two cities for almost 12 hours without stopping.
The competitor is not allowed to use a neoprene suit and rest on a vessel. The event is organized by the “Pobeda” KPS with the assistance of the Municipality of Vidin, the Municipality of Kozloduy and the “River Administration” Directorate, Lom.
The leading boat “Victoria 1” will be refereed by the swimming legend and international referee Stefan Georgiev, as well as a Navy officer. The start will be early in the morning at 7:00 a.m., and the final – at 7-7:30 p.m. in Kozloduy.
A grand welcome ceremony for Tsankov is planned on the Radetsky ship on Friday evening, with dozens of spectators expected along the river to watch the swim live.
“I am prepared for this challenge and I am looking forward to it. I trained in the last months in the sea around Burgas and Tsarevo. My team and I want everything to be official and I’m happy that the World Federation will administer it and it will be according to their rules. All documents and permits for swimming have been issued and I want to thank the institutions for that. Also to the sponsors who support me once again. The financing is entirely from them. The stay in the water itself will be about 12 hours and this will be a dress rehearsal for my next marathon in the USA at the beginning of November from the Ocean 7 chain. Hopefully everything will go well and another great achievement will be recorded in the history of Bulgarian swimming significance. On top of that, the Union Day – September 6,” said Tsanko Tsankov.
On the boat and on land, a professional team of video operators will film Tsankov’s swim from the start to the finish, and after it a documentary film will be made, which will be broadcast free of charge in the country and abroad.