A new campaign of the ‘World’s Oldest Swim’ emphasises the historical significance of the Hellespont crossing, a 4.5km swim across the strait dividing Europe and Asia. The history of the swim dates back to the mythological tragedy of Hero and Leander, two lovers who lived on either side of the strait. Leander would swim the crossing every night to be with Hero, and swim back every morning. Modern history claims the poet Lord Byron as the first to make the crossing, completing the swim in 1810.
“Simply put, it’s got it all”, say Simon Murie of SwimTrek, who organise trips to compete in the annual ‘Victory Day’ Hellespont swimming race. “It has geographical, historical, literary and even mythological significance. Whether it’s swimming between continents or following in the wake of Leander and Byron, this swim has something for everyone.”