35th Samsung Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race by Turkish Olympic Committee
Over 2600 swimmers from 77 countries traversed the Bosphorus at the Samsung Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race, the world’s only swimming race between two continents, Asia and Europe. The competition saw Burcunaz Narin clinching first place in the women’s general classification, while Doğukan Ulaç secured the top spot in the men’s.
The 35th edition of the Samsung Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race, organized by the Turkish Olympic Committee (TOC), with the main sponsorship of Samsung Türkiye. Under the auspices of Istanbul Governorship and in cooperation with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality along with 26 other public, private, and non-governmental entities, this “Sports for All” themed event brought together local and foreign swimmers to the refreshing waters of the Bosphorus, upholding a cherished tradition. Swimmers from 5 continents of the World competed on the 6.5-kilometer course, from Kanlıca to Kuruçeşme Cemil Topuzlu Park, aiming for the prestigious title of “Cross-Continental Swimmer”.
Champions of the Water!
Among the women swimmers, Burcunaz Narin emerged triumphant after conquering the challenging 6.5km course in 42 minutes 54 seconds, while Doğukan Ulaç seized victory among the men, completing the course in 41 minutes 22 seconds. The winners were honored with medals and plaques at the ceremony, with the swiftest competitors receiving exclusive products from Samsung.
Bosphorus Celebration, Shoreline Festival
As swimmers showcased their prowess against the backdrop of Istanbul’s magnificent skyline, onlookers reveled in the festive atmosphere along the shoreline. Spectators followed the race at the event area established by Samsung in Kuruçeşme Cemil Topuzlu Park. Osman Aşkın Bak, Minister of Youth and Sports of Republic of Türkiye; Davut Gül, Governor of Istanbul; Prof. Dr. Uğur Erdener, President of the TOC; Nihat Usta, 1st Vice President of TOC and President of the Bosphorus Race Organizing Committee; and Philip Choi, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics Türkiye were among the attendees to share the excitement of the swimmers.
One of the World’s Best Open Water Swimming Races
Having debuted on July 23, 1989, with the support of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and 68 participants, the race has evolved to gather over 2600 swimmers from 77 countries in 2023. Since 2010, the Samsung Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race has awarded the “Cross-Continental Swimmer” certification to finishers. The event received the distinction of “Best Open Water Swimming Organization of the Year” from the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) in 2016 and was hailed as the “World’s Best Open Water Race” by WOWSA in 2019.
