2,465 swimmers from 55 countries took part in the 33rd Istanbul Intercontinental Swimming Race.

Providing the exceptional and symbolic opportunity to rally two continents by swimming, the intercontinental Samsung Bosphorus race has been taking place between Kanlıca on the Asian side and Kuruçeşme on the European continent since 1989.

Being the only time of the year when maritime traffic is completely interrupted on the Bosphorus, this event usually draws large crowds of spectators. Due to Covid 19, the competition took place without spectators in order to respect the rules of social distancing.

Youth and Sports Minister Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoğlu, Istanbul Deputy Governor Niyazi Erten, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, President of Turkish National Olympic Committee Uğur Erdener. and the President of the International Swimming Federation (FINA) Husain Al-Musallam attended the event.

Once again the two champions are Turkish. Nida Eliz Üstündağ, won the prize in the female category (40 minutes and 55 seconds). Polat Uzer Turnalı finished first in the men’s race with a crossing of 6.5 km in 38 minutes and 22 seconds.