Strongman Ross on his way to swimming record
Grantham extreme sportsman Ross Edgley is set to break the record for the world’s longest sea swim.
Ross, who in June began his quest to be the first person to swim 3,200km around Britain, will on Tuesday make it a record 74 days of swimming at sea, without setting a single foot on land throughout.
The gruelling two-and-a-half months at sea has seen the 32-year-old battle brutal jellyfish stings, a disintegrating tongue and the toughest waves Britain has to offer.
Ross, who is expected to be somewhere between Tobermory and Skye on the west coast of Scotland by Tuesday, says he could have swum faster, but breaking the long-distance record is more important.
His swim, which began in Margate on Friday, June 1, follows his previous feats in completing a marathon whilst dragging a Mini Clubman and rope climbing the equivalent height of Mount Everest within 24 hours.
Ross says there is a sense of excitement about the swim and achieving the record would be the 'cherry on top'.
He said: “You swim from Margate to Margate and anything less would be considered a failure in my opinion.”
He describes the swim as ‘brutal’ saying it is about 'pushing the boundaries and seeing what is possible'.
But he has been heartened by public support, including a few people swimming up to his boat, including a lady wearing nothing but a wetsuit and a smile. “She swum all the way with a cake, that she had baked, on her head.”
In Scotland, Ross has noticed how the waters grew colder and the waves choppier.
“I’d say Scotland is harsher, colder and a little bit rougher, but it’s also fresher, greener and more stunning.
“So far I would say it’s the best swimming pool I’ve ever swum in, it’s ridiculous. I suppose what I’m trying to say about Scotland is, it’s a privilege not a hardship because it’s that beautiful.”
Ross’s Great British Swim Journey can be followed via live tracker at RedBull.co.uk/GreatBritishSwim.
Further updates can also be found on his weekly vlogs at Youtube.com/redbull.