Hassan Baraka has become the first Moroccan swimmer to cross the English Channel, covering a distance of 55 km in 15 hours and 55 minutes, marking a significant milestone in his career.
After years of preparation and numerous long-distance races, Baraka faced water temperatures between 12 and 14 degrees Celsius, strong marine currents, and darkness. He started his journey from Dover, England, at 3:15 AM and finished at Cap Blanc-Nez, France, at 8 PM.
Baraka waited for better weather conditions before attempting the swim and expressed his pride in placing Morocco among the few countries whose swimmers have succeeded in this challenge. He also mentioned the challenges of jellyfish and constant cold during his swim.
Born in Tetouan in 1987, Baraka has accomplished remarkable feats, including the world marathon, swimming across the Bosphorus Strait, the Strait of Gibraltar, and from Papua New Guinea to Indonesia. He has also swum from Egypt to Saudi Arabia, linking the five continents through his swimming achievements.
