Tsanko Tsankov became the first swimmer to cover a distance of over 100 kilometers in the Danube River.

"Tsanko Tsankov did it! 108 kilometers and 250 meters in the Danube River – 18 hours, 12 minutes and 32 seconds! Non-stop swimming! Hero!",  announced his coach Nikolay Iliev.

The swimmer started his marathon endeavour at 3.17 am on September 6 from the outskirts of Vidin and finished at 9.31 pm at the Radetsky ship in Kozloduy. The swim followed the rules of the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) and was administered by that organization, Iliev Sport Agency announced before the start.

Today, Tsanko Tsankov and his coach, Nikolay Iliev, will be awarded for their historic achievement by the mayor of Vidin Municipality, Tsvetan Tsenkov. The ceremony will take place in front of the Vidin Art Gallery.

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Tsanko Tsankov is the first Bulgarian to swim the distance from Europe to Africa (through the Strait of Gibraltar) and a world champion in ice swimming, reminded BGNES. 

At a ceremony held on the open stage in front of the Vidin Art Gallery, Vidin Deputy Mayor Borislava Borisova presented honorary certificates and plaques to Tsanko Tsankov and his coach Nikolay Iliev "for their tireless efforts, bravery and courage in achieving this historic success". She wished them to always carry courage in their hearts, to inspire the children of Vidin and to continue to glorify Bulgaria around the world.