Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Sports Club’s “Conqueror of the Oceans” ultramarathon swimmer Emre Erdoğan has come one step closer to his dreams. Erdogan, who successfully completed the fifth stage of the “Ocean’s 7” course, which is considered one of the most challenging ocean crossings by the World Open Water Swimming Association, New Zealand Cook Strait, made Izmir proud once again. Erdogan, who completed the challenging 26-kilometer course in 6 hours, 8 minutes and 25 seconds, also achieved the title of the fastest Turkish swimmer to cross the Cook Strait with this success.
The Cook Strait crossing is known for its difficult conditions such as low water temperature (13,8-14,8 degrees), dense jellyfish population and strong sea currents. In addition to all these difficulties, despite the threat of the great white shark, one of the most dangerous creatures in the oceans, Erdoğan did not compromise his determination and successfully completed the race. Moreover, he completed this difficult crossing without any protective equipment against the cold and sea creatures, as in other ocean marathons. During this incredible struggle, Erdoğan was supported by dolphins.
Following this historic success, Emre Erdoğan, who began preparations for the North Channel crossing without a break, was accompanied by Tuna Tunca, an autistic marathon swimmer from the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality who is preparing to cross the English Channel in June, during his first training session at the Celal Atik Sports Hall Swimming Pool. Having previously successfully crossed the Strait of Gibraltar, the English Channel, the Catalina Channel and the Tsugaru Strait, Erdoğan will go down in history as the first Turkish athlete to complete the “Ocean’s 7” series if he completes the North Channel (Scotland-Northern Ireland) and Molokai (Hawaii) stages.
Emre Erdoğan’s career full of success began in September 2015 when he crossed the Strait of Gibraltar. Then, in July 2016, he completed the English Channel in an impressive 9 hours and 35 minutes. On July 30, 2017, he completed another challenging leg by swimming 33 kilometers in the dark from Catalina Island to Los Angeles. On August 20, 2019, Erdoğan crossed the Tsugaru Strait in Japan, considered one of the most dangerous courses in the Pacific Ocean, in 7 hours and 16 minutes. On August 30, 2023, he won the “Triple Crown” title by swimming around Manhattan Island in 7 hours, 3 minutes and 50 seconds. Finally, in June 2024, he added a new achievement to his list by completing the 36-kilometer Capri-Naples Swimming Ultra Marathon in Italy in first place.
Stating that the Cook Strait crossing challenged him both physically and mentally, Erdoğan said that his father’s illness also had a negative impact on him before the journey. However, Erdoğan emphasized that he did not give up despite all the difficulties and said, “Sometimes not giving up and being determined is more important than anything else. It is a source of pride to emerge successful from this struggle and set a Turkish record.”
Emphasizing that the secret of his success is regular and intensive training, Erdoğan said that he trains for an average of 14 hours a week, sometimes up to 22 hours. “The basis of this business is working. I prepare with the motto of ‘Hope for the best, expect the worst,’” Erdoğan said, and gave important advice to young athletes: “Athletes cannot develop without leaving their comfort zone. If you are an open water swimmer, you should swim not only in flat water, but also in wavy and cold water. Learning from races is the most important gain.”
Emre Erdoğan, who now has the North Channel target in front of him, stated that the “Ocean’s 7” adventure is not only a sporting success, but also an opportunity to leave a beautiful mark on the world for his country and city. “Being able to contribute to the promotion of my country, the land of the seas, excites and motivates me a lot. I dedicate all my championships to my family and country,” said Erdoğan, thanking the support of the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Sports Club for the North Channel crossing. “It is a very special and beautiful feeling to feel that my club is with me, I am setting out to be successful and to be the 35th swimmer to pass all stages,” he said.
Emre Erdoğan, born in Izmir in 40, who started his sports career with handball and water polo and won nearly 1986 cups in open water races, is determined to bring the most prestigious title in this field to Türkiye by successfully completing the remaining two stages of the “Ocean's 7” marathon as he approaches the end.
