Stéphane Lecat, the observer and expedition leader of the Antibes–Cannes Open Water Crossing, reported that Dr. Mariam Saleh Binladen, a dentist and humanitarian from Saudi Arabia, completed an unprecedented 5 hour 18 minute crossing from Antibes to Cannes on August 3rd.
Dr. Binladen pioneered the Antibes–Cannes Open Water Crossing, a 14.5 km sea swim that started at Port Gallice, next to Hôtel Belles Rives. She passed the Fourmigue Lighthouse and Lérins Islands, and finished at La Croisette Beach in Cannes in southern France. Her swim was observed by Stéphane Lecat and coached by Dr. Mohamed Marouf.
Lecat said, “Beyond her athletic accomplishment, this challenge was undertaken to inspire and encourage girls and boys in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East to embrace open water swimming and pursue ambitious sporting goals.
She started at 5:58 am with the sunrise at Port Gallice in Antibes and finished at 11:18 am at Carlton Beach in Cannes. The water temperature was a constant 26°C throughout the swim while the wind increased progressively from 10 km/hour to 25 km/hour. The sea remained calm for most of the crossing, with approximately 1-meter waves during the final hour.
Dr. Binladen maintained an exceptionally consistent pace throughout her crossing with a stroke rate ranging between 58 and 66 strokes per minute. She followed a disciplined nutrition strategy, taking feedings every 20 minutes, and remained in excellent physical condition throughout the swim without encountering any significant difficulties.
As the coastline of Cannes came into view, she handled the increasing waves with confidence, composure and determination. She reached Carlton Beach looking
remarkably strong, with plenty of energy still remaining. Side by side with her coach, Dr. Marouf, they walked together onto the beach, emerging from the water in a powerful and symbolic finish that reflected both the success of the crossing and the teamwork behind this achievement.
This crossing represents a remarkable accomplishment and establishes a new milestone. Dr. Binladen undertook this challenge with a broader purpose: to inspire and encourage girls and boys in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East to embrace open water swimming.“
Her coach and IMSHOF Honor Swimmer Dr. Marouf added, “Through her determination, perseverance and leadership, she has become an outstanding role model, demonstrating that courage, commitment and resilience can open new opportunities for future generations. Her achievement will undoubtedly contribute to promoting the development of open water swimming throughout the region while inspiring more young people to pursue ambitious sporting goals.”
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