24/09/2026
Prof. Dr. Raha Akhavan, Faculty Member at Sabancı Business School, swam across the English Channel between the United Kingdom and France. Starting her swim from Dover, England, at 5:30 a.m. local time, Akhavan covered approximately 42 kilometers in 18 hours and 58 minutes, reaching the area near Cap Gris-Nez, close to Calais, France.
Battling the Elements in 18-Degree Water
During the crossing, which took place in water temperatures of 18°C, Akhavan battled strong tidal currents and jellyfish. After nearly 19 hours in the water, she completed the English Channel crossing, becoming the first Iranian woman to achieve this feat.
Raha Akhavan Earns the “Triple Crown” Title
Completing the English Channel also earned Raha Akhavan the title of “Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming.” Having previously completed the Catalina Channel swim in California and a swim around Manhattan Island in New York City, Akhavan completed all three swims that make up the Triple Crown with her English Channel crossing.
With this achievement, Akhavan also became the first swimmer from Iran to earn the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming title.
