Avram Iancu
Avram Iancu set off on 20 June 2017 to swim 2,800km along the River Danube. The 41-year old librarian from Romania aims to become the first person to complete the swim without fins or a wetsuit. Starting in Donaueschingen, in Germany, Avram will swim through the Black Forest and cross 10 countries and four capital cities before finishing in the Black Sea, in Romania. He aims to complete the swim on 20 August, which will require him to cover about 50km each day.
Avram swam the English Channel in August 2016 and has previously completed a 45km marathon between Gropeni-Brăila and Galați, in Romania. He hopes his swim will draw attention to the unique ecosystem of the Danube Delta. Avram has also undertaken endurance swims for other humanitarian causes – such as raising money to help a sick child and the elderly. He is also a national champion in martial arts.