Spyros Chryssikopoulos swims from Greece to Italy

Greek ultra-swimmer Spyros Chryssikopoulos has completed a historic open-water swim from Greece to Italy. The 43-year-old athlete crossed the Otranto Strait, covering a total distance of 91.4 kilometers.

Starting from the island of Donoussa on August 31, Chryssikopoulos reached Santa Maria di Leuca in southern Italy on September 1. The swim took 31 hours and 50 minutes of continuous effort. The feat was officially recorded by the Marathon Swimmers Federation.

Chryssikopoulos faced challenging weather conditions, including strong currents and waves, during the crossing. He noted on social media that the achievement required immense mental strength, stating, “Only with soul can it be achieved.” This success follows a previous attempt in 2024 that was unsuccessful due to jellyfish and worsening weather.