Kazakhstani athlete Anel Sydykova became the first person from the CIS countries to swim across Antarctica, reports the Adyrna National Portal.
Anel completed the 750-meter distance in 18 minutes and 58.95 seconds, with the water temperature at -1.4 degrees Celsius.
“We swam in Antarctic waters. For me, it was extremely cold. The water temperature was -1.4 degrees, and the wind speed reached 35 kilometers per hour. Swimming among icebergs and penguins was an unparalleled experience. Being among the few people to embrace Antarctica’s icy waters was truly a remarkable event,” shared Anel Sydykova.
According to her, they waited for the right moment to swim during their 10-day stay in Antarctica. Additionally, they had to follow strict rules onboard the ship, which carried 150 passengers.
Anel Sydykova is Kazakhstan’s first “Iron Lady” in triathlon, the first Ironman, and Ultraman from the country. Five years ago, she became one of the first Kazakhs to swim across the English Channel (38 kilometers) without a wetsuit, achieving a historic milestone for Kazakhstan.
In the summer of 2022, Anel swam 48.5 kilometers around Manhattan Island in the United States, crossing 20 bridges. She later completed one of the world’s longest marathon swims in Los Angeles — the Catalina Channel (approximately 34 kilometers) non-stop.
The Catalina Channel, the English Channel, and the 20 bridges around Manhattan are part of the “Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming.” Anel earned the title of “Triple Crown Queen” and became a member of the “Triple Crown” club, a feat unmatched in the CIS.
Anel currently lives with her family near London, England.
It is worth noting that in August 2019, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his admiration for Anel Sydykova for being one of the first Kazakh women to swim across the English Channel.
