Turkish ultra-marathon swimmer Bengisu Avcı is on the verge of making history. The İzmir-born national open-water athlete has already conquered six of the seven world’s most difficult open-water swimming challenges, known collectively as Ocean’s 7. Now, with only one daunting stretch left—the Tsugaru Strait in Japan—she aims to become the first Turkish swimmer ever to complete this epic feat.
Avcı, who has used her athletic career to raise awareness on environmental issues, is swimming under the motto “Why should the future be a risk?” as she attempts this final crossing, which has proven nearly impossible due to its intense ocean currents and shifting conditions caused by climate change.
The Final Chapter in a Global Challenge
Ocean’s 7 is often described as the swimming equivalent of climbing the Seven Summits, the highest mountains on each continent. It includes:
The English Channel (UK-France)
The Catalina Channel (USA)
The Strait of Gibraltar (Spain-Morocco)
The Moloka’i Channel (Hawaii)
The Cook Strait (New Zealand)
The North Channel (Ireland-Scotland)
The Tsugaru Strait (Japan)
Of these, the Tsugaru Strait is considered the most unpredictable, located between the Japanese islands of Honshu and Hokkaido. With currents reaching up to 10–12 km/h, the 30-kilometer swim requires both extraordinary physical endurance and sharp strategic planning.
Avcı’s Tsugaru crossing is scheduled to take place between August 1–6, depending on weather conditions. She expects to swim for at least 12 hours straight, battling tides, cold temperatures, and fierce winds.
From a Misdiagnosis to Global Records
What makes Bengisu Avcı’s journey even more remarkable is how it began. Her open-water career was catalyzed by a medical misdiagnosis in her youth that sparked a lifestyle change. Since then, she has dedicated herself to pushing both physical and symbolic boundaries—especially for women in Türkiye.
Her Ocean’s 7 journey started in 2018, when she completed the English Channel in 11 hours and 29 minutes. From there, she went on to break numerous national and continental records:
Catalina Channel (2022): First Turkish woman to complete the swim in 11 hours 59 minutes
Strait of Gibraltar (2023): Fastest Turkish swimmer with a time of 3 hours 24 minutes
Cook Strait (2024): First Turkish swimmer to finish, clocking 10 hours 14 minutes
Moloka’i Channel (2024): First Turkish and fastest European female swimmer at 12 hours 10 minutes
North Channel (2025): Completed on July 19 in 10 hours 48 seconds—a record for a Turkish woman
Each of these crossings represents not just physical mastery, but also a milestone in Turkish swimming history. By completing Tsugaru, Avcı will not only finish Ocean’s 7, but also cement her place among the very few women globally—fewer than 10—who have achieved this milestone.
Swimming for Climate Awareness
More than a personal achievement, Bengisu Avcı’s mission is rooted in a greater cause: climate action and sustainability. As she explained to reporters before departing for Japan:
“Climate change has drastically altered Tsugaru’s current patterns. A route that used to be 19 kilometers is now 30 kilometers because of environmental shifts. But I am ready. I’ve proven my capability with the North Channel, and I will swim through Tsugaru to raise the Turkish flag on the opposite shore.”
She has also stated that her swim represents a broader struggle against the climate crisis and aims to empower women to take bold, fearless actions—both in sports and life.
A Journey of Courage and Inspiration
For Avcı, this isn’t just about medals or records. It’s a journey of courage and self-realization. She’s spoken openly about how she used to read stories of other Ocean’s 7 finishers, wondering if she could ever be among them.
Now, she is on the cusp of joining this elite group of approximately 40 swimmers worldwide, including only a handful of women. Her goal, as she put it, is simple but powerful:
“I want to see the phrase ‘First Turkish’ next to my name. I want Turkish girls and women to look at my story and say, ‘If she did it, I can too.’”
Each Crossing, a New Record
With every successful swim, Avcı has shattered expectations and set new records:
First Turkish athlete to complete the Moloka’i and Cook Straits
Fastest European female swimmer across the Moloka’i Channel
First Turkish woman to complete the Catalina Channel
Fastest Turkish swimmer across the Strait of Gibraltar
Fastest Turkish woman to swim the North Channel and English Channel
These accomplishments also include world records in ice swimming. Avcı has previously competed in Ice World Championships, swimming in near-zero-degree waters and achieving top placements.
Women Breaking Barriers in Open Water
Ocean’s 7 remains a male-dominated challenge, but Bengisu Avcı is working to change that. Her perseverance challenges both physical limitations and societal expectations.
In a sport where visibility for female athletes is still lacking, her achievements carry immense significance. Her name is now synonymous with resilience, endurance, and inspiration.
Many Turkish fans and environmental groups have already begun following her journey online, turning her swims into national events.
What’s Next?
If she successfully completes Tsugaru, Bengisu Avcı plans to:
Launch a documentary series chronicling her Ocean’s 7 journey
Collaborate with climate scientists on marine pollution awareness campaigns
Develop a foundation to support young female swimmers in Türkiye
Her story serves as a powerful reminder that dreams pursued with dedication and heart can transcend borders, languages, and even oceans.
