Eda Savcıgil Swam Across the Catalina Channel

The 18-year-old athlete completed the 32-kilometer route in 10 hours and 27 minutes.

Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Swimming

Expressive painting of an athlete swimming through deep blue ocean waves, capturing the rhythmic movement of long-distance swimming. — Turkish athlete Eda Savcıgil completed a record-setting 32-kilometer swim across the Catalina Channel in 10 hours and 27 minutes. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Turkish athlete Eda Savcıgil successfully crossed the Catalina Channel from Santa Catalina Island to California. She set records as the fastest woman and youngest Turkish athlete to finish the 32-kilometer swim.

Why it matters

This achievement adds to Savcıgil's growing list of marathon swimming accolades, including a victory at the Capri-Naples race. It highlights her transition from competitive world championships to endurance ocean swimming.

Savcıgil completed the 32-kilometer Catalina Channel route in 10 hours and 27 minutes. The 18-year-old previously placed third in the 100-meter breaststroke at the Winter Swimming World Championship and won the Capri-Naples race in nine hours.

The players

Eda Savcıgil

An 18-year-old Turkish athlete who has competed in both world-class breaststroke championships and international marathon swimming events.

John Trevino

An individual who accompanied the swimmer by canoe during the Catalina Channel crossing to provide navigational support.

The details

Accompanied by John Trevino in a canoe, Savcıgil navigated the channel while a support boat carried her coaches, referees, and father. The success cements her reputation following high-level performances in both Finland and Italy.

October 1, 2026: Eda Savcıgil began the Catalina Channel swim.
October 2, 2026: Eda Savcıgil completed the Catalina Channel swim.

Season Trajectory

Savcıgil's successful crossing places her at the forefront of the international marathon swimming circuit as she transitions between disciplines. Her performance indicates a shift toward longer, more grueling ocean channels ahead of her planned attempt at the Molokai Channel.

Savcıgil's record-setting time establishes a new benchmark for upcoming marathon swimmers attempting the 32-kilometer Catalina course. Her preparation cycle now pivots toward the 42-kilometer Molokai Channel.

The takeaway

Savcıgil's success demonstrates the impact of rigorous training on achieving high-level endurance performance in open ocean conditions. Athletes can look to her rapid advancement between pool-based breaststroke and marathon swimming as a blueprint for cross-disciplinary success.