Swimming enthusiast Ross Edgley achieves historic feat by circumnavigating Iceland for a distance of 1,000 miles, earning admiration from actor Chris Hemsworth.
Ross Edgley, a 39-year-old British adventurer, has achieved an extraordinary feat by swimming around the entire coastline of Iceland. This gruelling four-month challenge saw him cover a distance of 1,000 miles, swimming an average of 30km (18 miles) per day.
Edgley faced towering waves, freezing waters, and curious killer whales during his swim. Despite these challenges, he pushed himself to new limits, swimming in the Icelandic cold and even gaining around 10-15 kilos of body fat for insulation.
The harsh saltwater caused parts of Edgley's tongue to fall off, but he persevered, fuelled by a diet of up to 15,000 calories daily. His meals consisted of pasta and Icelandic liquorice, among other foods.
Edgley began and ended his swim challenge in Reykjavik, starting on May 17 and finishing at 5:09 pm UK time on Monday. Throughout his journey, he collected environmental DNA and microplastic samples, aiming to contribute to scientific research.
Iceland provided Edgley with unique experiences that he will never forget. He was inspired by the country's wildlife, particularly whales and seals. At the finish line, he celebrated with a sip from a Viking horn.
Edgley's efforts earned him praise from Chris Hemsworth, star of Thor. Hemsworth described Edgley as redefining endurance sport and adventure, going so far as to nickname him "British Thor" due to his accomplishments. Hemsworth believes that Edgley's swim was an epic saga and now takes its rightful place in Icelandic folklore.
In a statement, Hemsworth said, "Ross Edgley's swim around Iceland is a testament to human endurance and determination. His perseverance in the face of adversity is truly inspiring, and I am honoured to have had the opportunity to witness his amazing journey."
The new Chris Hemsworth original, documenting Edgley's swim, will premiere on Disney+ Hotstar on 16 November. Hemsworth stated that Edgley's swim now takes its rightful place in Icelandic folklore, a testament to the power of human spirit and determination.
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