Tsanko Tsankov, the Bulgarian marathon open water swimming champion, will attack the world record in the discipline on August 27, when he will swim in the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean the distance of 36 km between Santa Catalina Island and the city of Los Angeles. The swimmer is supported by the Sport in Bulgaria Foundation, which is part of its commitment to stimulate the development of Bulgarian sport.

Overcoming this distance in record time is part of his goal to conquer the Ocean Seven – the most difficult open water swims, which will guarantee him a place on the International Swimming Walk of Fame in Fort Lauderdale in the USA.

Before leaving for the USA, Tsanko’s coach and manager – Nikolay Iliev, told about the swimmer’s difficult road to the upcoming event. “In preparation, very important for us was the help of all sponsors, including companies and institutions. The outstretched hand and timely help from the Sport in Bulgaria Foundation allowed to make the final preparations and to minimize the problems around the organization and stay in the States, as well as around the swim itself,” he explained.

Iliev explained that they are leaving with a team of 11 people and have already engaged everyone who will be involved in the organization and execution of the event.

For his 36 years, Tsanko Tsankov set a world record for 12 hours of continuous swimming in a 50-meter pool, swam the Strait of Gibraltar and won many more medals from various competitions in his disciplines.

Tsanko Tsankov explained that last year he became the first Bulgarian to swim the Strait of Gibraltar. “Now I will attack the Catalina Strait, which is one of the seven most difficult straits to swim. As part of my training, I have already swum over 1,800 kilometres in open and cold water and in a pool. I think I have prepared myself in the best way for what lies ahead,” he said.

Tsanko Tsankov’s expectations for the swim itself are that it will be difficult because the Pacific Ocean has very cold waters. The low water temperature of about 18 degrees creates many risks because this is the only swimming marathon that takes place at night and you have to swim for about 8 hours in dark waters.

“This will be a historic achievement for open water swimming in Bulgaria,” he said. The costs are very high, but he explained that he will do his best to justify the confidence. Such a swim has never been done before and will remain part of Bulgaria’s sporting history. Tsanko Tsankov believes that he will set a positive example for children and adolescents to be active in sport.