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The man who swam the Amazon

In 2007, 52-year-old Slovenian endurance swimmer Martin Strel became the first person to swim the entire length of the Amazon River. His 3,300-mile route was full of danger.

In 2007, 52-year-old Slovenian endurance swimmer Martin Strel became the first person to swim the entire length of the Amazon River.

It took him 66 days to complete and, over the course of his journey, Strel faced threats such as pirates, sharks, and dengue fever. At 3,300 miles, it’s the longest open swim in history.

He shares his experience of the swim with Hunter Charlton. It’s an Ember Audio production for BBC World Service.

(Photo: Martin Strel pictured in London in 2009. Credit: Getty Images)

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10 minutes

Last on

Mon 8 Apr 202402:50GMT

Broadcasts

  • Sat 6 Apr 202404:50GMT
  • Sat 6 Apr 202417:50GMT
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  • Sat 6 Apr 202423:50GMT
  • Sun 7 Apr 202403:50GMT
  • Sun 7 Apr 202423:50GMT
  • Mon 8 Apr 202402:50GMT

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