Turkish swimmer makes history in icy Arctic waters

Turkish open-water swimmer Deniz Kayadelen has become the first Turkish person to swim in the Arctic, completing a 1,200-metre swim in the icy waters of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, one of the closest inhabited areas to the North Pole.

Kayadelen, 38, who has won six world championships and holds a Guinness World Record, completed the swim in water measuring 4 C (39.2 F).

The swimmer, who travelled with her 10-month-old daughter Alya, said balancing motherhood with the challenge made the achievement even more meaningful.

“My mission has always been to create miracles, draw inspiration from nature and inspire others. I made history. I flew the Turkish flag,” Kayadelen told Anadolu.

“No Turkish person had ever entered these icy waters before. I am proud to be the first,” she added.

Kayadelen, who is also a psychologist, said she hoped the achievement would inspire mothers and women to pursue their dreams while proudly representing Türkiye.

“I hope this inspires all mothers and the people of Türkiye. I achieved a national first by swimming in the glaciers, in Arctic waters, in one of the closest regions to the North Pole,” she said.

She said she swam for Türkiye and for women who continue pursuing their dreams after becoming mothers.

Overcoming fear through preparation

Kayadelen said becoming a mother changed the psychological dimension of the challenge and heightened her sense of responsibility.