Jews In Swimming: World Record Group Relay

An Israeli team of six swimmers ended a world record swim on October 11 2014, arriving in Israel after swimming for six days and 380km.  The team shattered the world record for "longest open-sea group relay swim", by swimming from Cyprus to the Israeli coast.  The record was previously held by a US team who swam 366km in 2013.  The Israeli team included members Udi Arel, Ori Sela, Doron Amosi, Ben Anosh, Luke Shetbon and Oded Rahav, all of whom took turns swimming in 4-5km shifts during the record attempt. 

This was the second time that the Israeli team had attempted this record.  In 2013 a fierce storm cut their record attempt short after three days at sea, but the team immediately reconvened and decided to train hard and attempt the swim again in 2014. The team was accompanied by a yacht equiped with safety features and medical professionals, which tracked the swimmer's movements through a microchip on their clothing. Also present on the yacht were a photographer and a chef. 

In addition to breaking the record, the swim was also a fundraiser to raise money for the Israeli nonprofit Zalul, an organization dedicated to preserving the seas and waterways of Israel. 

Sources: Haaretz