Tsanko Tsankov is the first Bulgarian to have successfully swum 36 kms. in the Pacific Ocean, from Santa Catalina Island to Los Angeles, journalist Nikki Iliev from the swimmer’s California team has announced on Facebook. He did so in 10 hours, 33 minutes and 29 seconds. Tsankov braved huge waves during the night, at water temperatures of 15-18° C. During the first hour he went into hypothermic shock and had several crises, but never gave up.

The race, which is on the calendar of the World Open Water Swimming Association, WOWSA, is one of seven most difficult open-water marathons, and dates back 127 years. The world record for swimming Catalina Channel was set in 2018, when Hank Wise, US, swam the distance in 7 hours, 55 minutes and 16 seconds.