Location
Bering Strait, Providenia Russia to Alaska USA
Date
August 1, 2013
to Aug 15, 2013
Distance
86 km
About This Swim
In 2013, James was part of the first-ever staged relay team of 66 swimmers from 16 countries and 6 continents to swim the entire length of the Bering Strait from Russia to Alaska. The team received a Guinness World Record and WOWSA Performance of the Year award.
The Bering Strait swim was a historic achievement - the first ever staged relay team to swim the entire length of the strait from Providenia, Russia to Alaska, USA. The team consisted of 66 swimmers from 16 countries across 6 continents, truly representing international cooperation in one of the world's most challenging environments.
Swimming in near-freezing waters, battling strong currents, and navigating through one of the most remote regions on Earth, the team covered 86 kilometers over multiple days. James was honored to be the only blind swimmer on this historic expedition.
Recognition and Awards
The Bering Strait relay team was awarded a Guinness World Record for this unprecedented achievement. In 2013, the team was also awarded the WOWSA (World Open Water Swimming Association) Performance of the Year award, recognizing this swim as the most outstanding open water swimming achievement of that year.