Over 2400 swimmers took part in the 30th Samsung Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race in Istanbul on Sunday (July 22) ©TOC

Almost 2,500 swimmers from 52 countries took part in the 30th Samsung Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race in Istanbul organised by the Turkish Olympic Committee (TOC) today. 

The event began off the coast of the Kanlıca district on the Asian side of the city and ended four miles away off the coast of the European side.

One person died taking part in the race after they fell ill 500 metres short of the finish line.

In a statement put out by the TOC after the race, they said Mehmet Baykal was given first aid at sea and later in hospital but could not be saved.

The winners of the race were congratulated by officials from both the Turkish Government and TOC ©TOC
The winners of the race were congratulated by officials from both the Turkish Government and TOC ©TOC

Turkey’s Hilal Zeybeb Saraç finished first in the women’s event and compatriot Doğukan Ulaç was the fastest man to complete the course.

Sarac, Ulac and some of the other fastest swimmers were awarded plaques, medals and products from the event sponsor Samsung upon completing the 6.5 kilometres course.

The winning athletes were given their awards by Turkey’s Youth and Sports Minister Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoğlu, Istanbul Governor Vasip Sahin, Istanbul Mayor Mevlüt Uysal, International Olympic Committee (IOC) vice-president and TOC President Uğur Erdener and Samsung Electronics Turkey President Kim Daehyun.

Also at the event as honorary guests was the International Association of Athletics Federations vice-president Sergey Bubka and IOC Athletes’ Commission chair Kirsty Coventry.