The 2011 World Open Water Swimming Performance of the Year was originally about Nejib Belhedi‘s solo swim across 1,400 km across the coast of his native Tunisia.

But the pioneering Tunisian marathon swimmer always had a greater vision and plenty of energy to spare. He has motivated people of all ages, but especially the youth, to enjoy and explore the sport of open water swimming. And, he has given hope to those in his country and region for peace.

“The great success of the 1400K Swim Across Tunisia is now an international swim of peace and partnership,” passionately explains the irrepressible Nejib.

“So many swimmers – both Tunisian and international – are now taking part and wish to join our Swim of Peace movement. This energy and desire has even mobilized forces and momentum in Libya as a way to swim all the way Egypt [along the coast]. We are finally able to reach across the Middle East as we are preparing to mobilize an army of peace swimmers. The dream of swim of peace will continue and build as time goes on.”

Copyright © 2012 by Open Water Source