Polish swimmer makes history with first-ever 160 km Baltic Sea crossing VIDEO

Polish endurance swimmer Bartłomiej Kubkowski has become the first person to swim across the Baltic Sea, completing a gruelling 160-kilometre journey from Sweden to Poland after 55 hours of continuous swimming.

According to Triathlon Today, Kubkowski entered the water at Kåseberga on Sweden's southern coast and reached the beach in Dziwnów, Poland, two days and seven hours later. 

Throughout the crossing, he remained in the water at all times, in accordance with marathon swimming rules.

Although accompanied by a support boat for safety, Kubkowski was not allowed to touch the vessel or leave the water during the swim. Food and drinks were delivered to him using a pole, and he completed the challenge without any sleep. To finish the attempt officially, he had to reach the shore unaided and remain standing on his own after leaving the water.

The achievement came after years of perseverance. The crossing marked Kubkowski's fifth attempt to conquer the Baltic Sea. His previous four efforts ended in failure, including a dramatic attempt last year when he was rescued unconscious with just 11 kilometres remaining.

Beyond the sporting milestone, Kubkowski used the challenge to support a charitable cause, raising more than €140,000 for Cancer Fighters, an organisation that helps fund treatment for children with cancer.

Another Polish endurance swimmer, Karolina Szczepaniak, also attempted the crossing in a bid to become the first woman to swim across the Baltic Sea. Her effort ended after 58 hours in the water, with around 40 kilometres left to reach the Polish coast.

By Aghakazim Guliyev