In a landmark achievement that blends sporting excellence with inclusivity, Egypt’s national open water swimming delegation clinched first place in the prestigious Capri–Napoli marathon swim, setting a new record time of 6 hours and 9 minutes. The annual race is stretching 36 kilometers across Italy’s Gulf of Naples.
Record-Breaking Victory on a Global Stage
Competing against elite swimmers from 14 nations, the Egyptian team powered through challenging sea conditions to finish well ahead of the competition, drawing acclaim from the international swimming community and the World Aquatics (formerly FINA), under whose official calendar the race is recognized.
The win, orchestrated under the leadership of renowned Egyptian swim coach Captain Khaled Shalaby, is more than just a sporting triumph—it’s a milestone in endurance athletics and a moment of pride for Egypt’s growing influence in global aquatics.
First-of-Its-Kind Inclusion of Athletes with Disabilities
In a pioneering first, the Egyptian team made history by forming an integrated relay squad featuring swimmers with disabilities alongside able-bodied athletes. This groundbreaking move marks the first global trial of inclusion in a high-level open water relay team, signaling a major step toward equity in competitive endurance sports.
The six-person relay team included Mohamed Karam, Karim Assem, Mohamed Abou El Wafa, Joseph Dimitri, Eyad Hani, and Hungarian swimmer Diana Toth, who joined the team for international solidarity
Legacy of Capri–Napoli Marathon
First launched in 1954, the Capri–Napoli swim is one of the longest-running open water competitions in the world. The route connects the island of Capri to the coastal city of Naples, testing athletes against treacherous currents, unpredictable tides, and intense heat, making a six-hour finish nothing short of remarkable.
Egypt’s victory now enters the record books not only for time, but for its broader message: that elite sport can be a platform for inclusion, resilience, and international unity.
