Paralympic swimmer Charalampos Taiganidis attempts 151km open-water world record

Greek Paralympic swimmer Charalampos Taiganidis has embarked on a challenging 151-kilometer open-water swim from Coral Bay in Paphos to Larnaca. The athlete began his journey at 22:00 on Wednesday, taking advantage of favorable weather conditions to attempt a new world record. Taiganidis, who faces severe vision loss, is navigating the sea without external physical aid, supported by two escort vessels. One boat carries the official monitoring and recording committee, while the second is crewed by SEVAK reservists tasked with providing auditory guidance throughout the route.

Beyond the athletic pursuit of a record, the swim serves as a philanthropic initiative for the Association of Cancer Patients and Friends (PASYKAF). The project, titled '200,000 Strokes for PASYKAF,' aims to raise awareness and offer moral support to individuals battling cancer. The team remains committed to the planned schedule, with all necessary oversight in place to verify the completion of the marathon distance and ensure the athlete's safety in the open sea.