The Oceans Seven challenge: Turkish swimmer Bengisu Avci conquers Molokai Channel in Hawaii

By Ali Korkmaz

IZMIR, Türkiye (AA) — Turkish ultra-marathon swimmer Bengisu Avci on Saturday crossed the Molokai Channel, an Oceans Seven challenge, the athlete's press office announced.

In her second attempt, Avci traversed the 26-mile-wide (42 kilometers) stretch between the Hawaiian Islands of Oahu and Molokai in 12 hours and 10 minutes.

Her previous attempt to cross the Molokai Channel had been cut short due to jellyfish stings during the journey.

This was the fifth Oceans Seven challenge that Avci completed, becoming the first Turkish woman to do so. She also swam across the English Channel between UK and France, Catalina Channel in the US, Cook Strait in New Zealand, and Strait of Gibraltar between Spain and Morocco.

The Oceans Seven marathon swimming challenge also includes the Tsugaru Strait in Japan and North Channel connecting Ireland and Scotland.

"The ocean is where I find myself. I feel as free and peaceful as possible in the water," Avci said, adding that "with every stroke" she hopes to inspire other Turkish women to achieve their athletic goals.

"I'll keep swimming," Avci said, vowing to complete all of the Oceans Seven challenges.