British Ultra-Swimmer Ross Edgley Begins 1600km Iceland Swim

British endurance swimmer Ross Edgley has embarked on a monumental 1,600-kilometer swim around Iceland, a challenge expected to last three to five months and considered one of the most ambitious in swimming history. Inspired by actor Chris Hemsworth and his role as Thor, Edgley describes the journey as "the closest thing yet to swimming around Asgard," connecting the swim to Nordic mythology. His rigorous preparation involved intense training in cold Scottish waters, consuming 10,000 calories daily, and gaining nearly 15 kilograms to sustain endurance in near-freezing temperatures. Edgley's swim pattern includes alternating six hours of swimming with six hours of rest daily, as he faces harsh conditions such as choppy seas and killer whales. Accompanied by an eight-person support crew dedicated to minimizing environmental impact, Edgley is also conducting scientific research by collecting environmental DNA samples in partnership with Icelandic institutions to map marine biodiversity in unprecedented detail. Throughout the journey, he will document the experience on social media, aiming to engage audiences globally and share insights into Iceland's nature and culture.