Dakar – Gorée: Ichem Zaher vise un record du monde avec trois jours de nage non-stop
French-Moroccan ultra-triathlete Ichem Zaher is preparing to take on an extraordinary challenge. At 49, he aims to set a new world record for open water swimming between Dakar and Gorée Island in October 2026, with the goal of swimming for more than three days without interruption and without a wetsuit.
The first African to complete the Enduroman Arch2Arc, considered one of the most extreme triathlons in the world, Zaher has established himself in recent years as a rising star in ultra-endurance. His career is marked by impressive performances, including marathons, Ironman triathlons, and participation in the Marathon des Sables.
In 2024, he reached a milestone by successfully completing this legendary challenge linking London to Paris, combining running, swimming and cycling over extreme distances.
In Senegal, he had already made a name for himself in September 2025 with a 24-hour continuous swim between Dakar and Gorée, completing several round trips in real ocean conditions. A key step in preparing for this new challenge.
But beyond the sporting achievement, Ichem Zaher's project is part of a charitable endeavor. In partnership with Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque (Cardiac Surgery Sponsorship), he has already helped raise funds to finance operations for children with heart defects. The record attempt is part of this ongoing effort, with the ambition of mobilizing even more resources for this cause.
For this exceptional crossing, the athlete imposes strict rules on himself: no wetsuit, no interruptions…A challenge as much physical as mental for this biochemist by training, passionate about neuroscience, who sees the mastery of the mind as the key to performance.
"The real limit is not physical, it's mental," he asserts. A message that sums up the spirit of this ambitious project, at the crossroads of sport, science, and humanitarian commitment.
If successful, this attempt could mark the history of open water swimming while carrying a universal message: pushing your limits to give meaning to the effort.
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