Istanbul, the vibrant Turkish metropolis, played host to the 35th Samsung Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race. Organized by the Turkish National Olympic Committee, this iconic event unfolded on Sunday (Aug. 20), drawing participation from more than 2,600 athletes hailing from over 70 countries.
Spanning a 6.5-kilometer (4-mile) route, the competitors swam from the Asian shore to the European shore of Istanbul, navigating the bustling waters of the Bosphorus strait. Notably, Joep Wijnands, the Dutch Ambassador to Türkiye, enthusiastically participated, making the intercontinental swim.
The men’s category witnessed a fierce competition, with Dogukan Ulac clinching the top position, finishing the course in an impressive 41 minutes and 22 seconds. Kerem Hosgor secured the second spot with a time of 43 minutes and 31 seconds, closely followed by Halil Sensoy who took the third place, clocking in at 43 minutes and 44 seconds.
On the women’s front, Burcunaz Narin emerged victorious, completing the race in 42 minutes and 54 seconds. Hilal Zeyneb Sarac came in at a close second with a timing of 43 minutes and 59 seconds, and the third position was grabbed by Ada Liza Celik, who finished in 44 minutes and 17 seconds.
This revered event traces its inception to July 23, 1989, when the Turkish National Olympic Committee, with the endorsement of the International Olympic Committee, hosted the inaugural race. That year saw 68 swimmers taking to the waters, marking the beginning of what would become an annual tradition.
(AA)
