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Petar Stoychev becomes the first Bulgarian to swim the Cook Strait in New Zealand

Photo: Petar Stoychev's private archive

Bulgaria's Petar Stoychev, recognized as the world's most successful swimmer in the marathon, recorded yet another serious achievement by becoming the first Bulgarian to swim across the Cook Strait, connecting the South and North Islands of New Zealand. 

Stoychev succeeded despite extremely difficult conditions - frigid water of 14 degrees Celcius, very strong wind, big waves and strong current. 

The Cook Strait is generally considered one of the most dangerous straits in the world. The distance between the two islands is about 26 kilometers in a straight line, and Stoychev swam over 20.7 nautical miles (over 38 kilometers) in the harsh conditions from the South to the North Island.

Stoychev crossed the Cook Strait in 6.51 hours - the best time for the 2023/2024 season.

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