Egor Tropeano (Italy, 32, IISA bio here, @egortropeano) and Bengisu Avci (Turkey, 28, IISA bio here, MSF bio here, @bengisuavci) are a husband-and-wife duo that has been traveling the world, competing in winter swimming and ice swimming competitions as well as coaching at camps and across channels while Bengisu seeks the Oceans Seven.
They talked about their travels, challenges, and adventures from New Zealand to Italy, from Scotland to Hawaii – and how they continue to inspire and support each other at their home in Çanakkale, Turkey [see below].
Both started out as young competitive age group swimmers in their respective countries and eventually wound up meeting each other in Croatia at an open water camp. Most recently, they both podiumed at the IISA 6th World Championship in Molveno, Italy where Egor won the 100m breaststroke and finished sixth in the 200m individual medley (while breaking the existing world record and setting an age group world record). Meanwhile, Bengisu finished third overall in the 100m butterfly and also finaled in the 200m individual medley.
It was a remarkable comeback for Egor who had taken off 11 years from competitive swimming – and training in the pool. He explains his return to the sport, “I was so inspired by [my wife’s} dream to complete the Oceans Seven that I started training after an 11-year hiatus.“
The last year has been a whirlwind global tour for the two. Bengisu explains, “We have worked, non-stop last year.“
- February 2024: third in the IISA Romania Ice Swimming Championship
- February 2024: first Turkish swimmer to cross the Cook Strait in New Zealand
- March 2024: 200m breaststroke champion and new age-group world record (25-29) and second in 200m freestyle at the Estonia IWSA Ice Swimming Championship
- May 2024: Molokai Channel crossing attempt in Hawaii, aborted after 12 hours due to severe jellyfish stings
- July 2024: coached Semiha Bekil (@semiha.bekil) at 20 Bridges Manhattan Island
- August 2024: coached Berker Goker (@berker.goker) across the English Channel in 12 hours 38 minutes
- September 2024: North Channel crossing attempt, aborted due to 8°C air and 13°C water
- October 2024: first Turkish swimmer to cross the Molokai Channel in 12 hours 10 minutes, fourth fastest time in history
- December 2024: 3 gold medals in Ice Kilometer, 100m breaststroke, 4x50m relay at the Amsterdam Ice Swimming event
Egor said, “We are so happy; it is an amazing result as we are self-trained.” Listen to interview above.
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