Spyros Chrysikopoulos swims 91.4 km from Greece to Italy

Spyros Chrysikopoulos, a 43-year-old swimmer, has completed a historic crossing of the Otranto Channel, swimming from the Greek island of Othonoi to Santa Maria di Leuca in Italy. The feat covered 91.4 kilometers in 31 hours and 50 minutes.

Chrysikopoulos performed the swim without a wetsuit or support tools, navigating through rough seas, rain, and nighttime conditions. The crossing was monitored by two judges from the Marathon Swimmers Federation to ensure compliance with open water long-distance swimming regulations. This achievement has earned him a mention in the Guinness World Records as the first recorded swim of this specific route.

This successful attempt follows a failed attempt in 2024, which was thwarted by adverse marine conditions and jellyfish. Chrysikopoulos has a history of endurance achievements, including a 2025 record for swimming 151 kilometers in a 50-meter pool within 48 hours.