Polish swimmer Bartek Kubkowski conquers Baltic Sea in historic swim

Polish ultramarathon swimmer Bartłomiej "Bartek" Kubkowski has achieved a historic feat, successfully swimming across the Baltic Sea from Sweden to Dziwnów, Poland. This accomplishment, the culmination of the Ultra Baltic Swim 2026 program, saw Kubkowski reach the Polish shore after more than two days of continuous effort, overcoming a challenge that had eluded even the most experienced endurance athletes.

After five years of preparation and four previous unsuccessful attempts, Kubkowski finally realized his goal. He is now the first person to complete such a crossing without setting foot on land or touching his support boat. Kubkowski began his journey on Friday from the Swedish coast, battling cold water, waves, currents, and exhaustion for dozens of hours.

The Baltic Sea crossing is considered one of the most demanding challenges in long-distance swimming. The route spans roughly 170 kilometers, though the actual distance swum is often greater due to currents and the need for course corrections. Swimmers are not permitted to leave the water, with rest breaks solely for feeding from the support vessel.

Kubkowski's path to success was arduous. His first attempt in 2022 was cut short after 115 kilometers due to severe weather. The following year, he stopped after 117 kilometers and 40 hours due to strong currents. In 2024, seasickness and difficult conditions forced him to abandon the attempt after 72 kilometers. His closest previous attempt was last year, where he swam 159 kilometers but lost orientation just 11 kilometers from the finish line.

Beyond the athletic achievement, the Ultra Baltic Swim project also had a charitable dimension. Kubkowski dedicated his swim to the beneficiaries of the Cancer Fighters Foundation, raising funds for children with cancer. His successful crossing marks a significant milestone in Polish long-distance swimming, requiring exceptional physical fitness, mental resilience, and logistical planning.