Chinese swimmer Chen Suwei, 57, recently joined the few who have crossed the Strait of Gibraltar, one of the most challenging waterways in the world.

On May 9, Chen stepped into the water off Tarifa in Spain, arriving in Tangier, Morocco, three hours and 51 minutes later, nearly 2 hours ahead of his scheduled time.

The Strait of Gibraltar, which connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean, is renowned for its unpredictable ocean currents, drastic temperature drops and busy maritime traffic.

The area, especially in the cold front zone, has thwarted many swimmers, making it one of the most challenging straits in the world.

Since its first crossing in 1928, fewer than 1,000 swimmers have successfully reached the other shore, according to media reports.

To prepare for the risks of strong currents and low water temperatures, Chen arrived in Spain in early May to undergo high-intensity and targeted adaptive training.

During the crossing, Chen faced severe tests of strong winds, huge waves and complex currents, leading to moments of water inhalation.

However, relying on his experience and strong determination, Chen adjusted his swimming technique and route, resolving crises and steadily progressing toward the opposite shore.

Chen, a former member of the Chinese national swimming team, previously crossed waterways including the English Channel and the Qiongzhou Strait separating Guangdong and Hainan provinces, which he traversed in six hours and nine minutes in 2016, setting a record at that time for a south-to-north crossing of the strait.

To achieve his goal of crossing the world's seven major straits, Chen maintains year-round systematic training.

"Like almost all extreme sports, the process of crossing the straits is actually a process of overcoming endless loneliness," Chen said.

Chen trains in the Xinfengjiang Reservoir and the Dongjiang River in Heyuan, Guangdong almost every week, adapting to the challenging environments of different water temperatures.

"In the long years of training, I have learned how to combat loneliness, and all my willpower comes from training," he said.

[email protected]