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Home / News / Heatwave halts Ross Edgley’s second attempt at world’s longest continuous swim

Heatwave halts Ross Edgley’s second attempt at world’s longest continuous swim

The adventurer and triathete announced via his social media channels that health concerns have halted his latest longest continuous swim world record attempt

With a warmer location planned to work in his favour, hopes were high that adventurer, sports scientist and triathlete Ross Edgley would be successful in his second attempt to take the record for the world’s longest continuous swim.

Sadly though, thanks to the brutal heatwave sweeping Europe things were just a little too hot and the challenge had to be halted yesterday evening – with dehydration and the risk of kidney damage cited as the main factors.

Beaten by the heat

We reported yesterday that the second attempt had been moved from Loch Ness (where the first attempt failed due to hypothermia and severe wetsuit chafing) to Italy. Yesterday evening followers expressed concerns after the live tracker on the Phd Nutrition website appeared to move directly to shore and stop, 70km into the planned 170km distance.

This morning via Instagram, Ross’s team confirmed that the challenge had to be cut short. “Quick update: Lake Trasimeno you were AMAZING, but unfortunately with this ‘Cerberus’ heat wave (to quote CNN news) expected to hit Italy this week it meant temperatures threatened to reach a record 48°C in places (water temperature at 33°C in parts) which meant the swim had to be attempted under pretty brutal conditions!”

Ross foot 2
Edgley’s body showed signs of the toll the swim took on him – photo via @Rossedgley on Instagram

Rest and pizza…

Ross went on to humbly thank his team, followers and sponsors and revealed that “the adventure was cut short around 70km due to heat stroke and concerns of dehydration and kidney damage! Going to rest up and eat pizza.” The accompanying photos of his hands and feet after leaving the water show the effect of the conditions.

It’s yet to be revealed whether there will be a third attempt at the challenge once Edgley has recovered.

The full message posted on Instagram this morning by @Rossedgley saw him thanking his team and supporters
The full message posted on Instagram this morning by @Rossedgley saw him thanking his team and supporters

Main pic: via @rossedgley on Instagram

Profile image of Helen Webster Helen Webster Editor, 220 Triathlon

About

Helen has been 220's Editor since July 2013, when she made the switch from marathons to multisport. She's usually found open-water swimming and has competed in several swimruns as well as the ÖtillÖ World Series. Helen is a qualified Level 2 Open-Water Swim Coach focusing on open-water confidence and runs regular workshops at the South West Maritime Academy near Bristol. She is also an RLSS UK Open Water Lifeguard trainer/assessor.