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Swimmer completes epic challenge

Friday, 28 August 2026 06:35

British long-distance swimmer Neil Gilson has completed a two-year challenge to swim the length of Switzerland's ten largest lakes, finishing at Geneva's Bains des Pâquis on Wednesday

The 40-year-old former professional 1,500-metre specialist covered 369 kilometres in total, wrapping up with a 72-kilometre crossing of Lake Geneva from Chillon Castle in Veytaux in 23 hours and 15 minutes.

Subject to being officially verified, Gilson now holds nine new records, alongside his 2024 mark for the Léman crossing.

He is swimming to raise awareness of PANDAS, a rare neuropsychiatric disorder his young son was diagnosed with at 18 months old.

 

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