Turkish swimmer Kayadelen makes history in Arctic waters

Turkish open-water swimmer Deniz Kayadelen has become the first person from Türkiye to complete a swim in the Arctic waters of Norway's Svalbard archipelago, covering 1,200 meters in temperatures of 4 degrees Celsius while traveling with her 10-month-old daughter Alya.

Historic Arctic milestone

Kayadelen, a 38-year-old six-time world champion and Guinness World Record holder who also works as a psychologist, told Anadolu that the achievement carried deep personal significance as she represented her country in uncharted territory. "My mission has always been to create miracles, draw inspiration from nature and inspire others. I made history. I flew the Turkish flag," she said, noting that she had traveled to the remote archipelago with her infant daughter.

Motherhood and preparation

The athlete said motherhood had fundamentally altered her approach to the extreme challenge, heightening her sense of responsibility toward her daughter. "No Turkish person had ever entered these icy waters before. I am proud to be the first," she stated, adding that she hoped the feat would inspire mothers and women across Türkiye to pursue their ambitions while proudly representing their nation.

Postponed Antarctic ambitions

Kayadelen revealed that the Arctic expedition emerged after she postponed her long-held ambition to swim in Antarctica, citing her daughter's young age and the lengthy journey required for the southern polar region. The swimmer completed the 1,200-meter distance in waters measuring 4 degrees Celsius (39.2 Fahrenheit) near one of the world's northernmost inhabited regions, having adapted her training regimen to accommodate her new family circumstances.