Dakar: The Marathon runner braved heavy waves, strong tides, and exhaustion. The mission was made even harder by leaving four out of six kayakers, who were overwhelmed by seasickness. However, the athlete has managed to push through and complete his dream, accomplishing an unprecedented feat as part of this iconic Dakar-Gorée crossing.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, passionate about ultra-endurance, Ichem Zaher, based in France, already has a record of over twenty marathons around the world, a dozen Ironmans, three participations in the Marathon des Sables, and the Enduroman, an extreme triathlon from London to Paris, where he swam 48 km in 2024.

With this Sunday’s achievement, Ichem Zaher becomes the first African to swim continuously for over 24 hours in open water, without a wetsuit or assistance.

A memorable moment in the adventure was when his 12-year-old son joined him in the water to swim the final 4 kilometers by his side. Together, they reached the island of Gorée. ‘Swimming alongside my
son to save other children gives this challenge an even more powerful dimension,’ Ichem Zaher told MAP.

For him, this crossing is not just a sporting challenge; it is also full of historical significance. The island of Gorée, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was for centuries one of the most poignant symbols of the transatlantic slave trade and a place of remembrance for millions of descendants of slaves.

Beyond the athletic achievement, Zaher continues his humanitarian efforts. A loyal supporter of Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque, he has already contributed to funding several heart surgeries for children with congenital heart defects.

But for him, these titles are just a means, not an end. “I am not seeking records for glory. My only goal is to transform effort into hope,” he said, announcing his preparation for a future world record in open water swimming.

The 5 km-long Dakar-Gorée crossing, organized by the Senegalese Federation of Swimming and Lifesaving, brings together over 800 swimmers. Since its creation
in 1985, the competition has become one of the largest African events in open-water swimming, combining athletic performance with historical significance.