More than 2,200 people from 49 countries competed on Sunday in the 29th Samsung Cross-Continental Swimming Race in İstanbul, swimming six-and-a-half kilometers (four miles) across the Bosporus from Asia to Europe.
Evgeny Eliseev and Kristina Kochetkova, both of Russia, took first place in the men and women’s general classifications, with times of 50 minutes, 58 seconds and 54 minutes, 54 seconds, respectively.
They were followed by Turkey’s Doğukan Uluç and Erge Can Gezmiş in the men’s and Nilay Erkal and Buse Topçu in the women’s categories.
Turkish Youth and Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak, president of the National Olympic Committee of Turkey Ugur Erdener and Samsung Electronics Turkey President Dae-Hyun Kim attended medals ceremony.
Speaking to reporters on the occasion, the minister stressed that Turkey is a safe place for tourism and said, “Some talk about terrorism in our country, but you see that our life is going on normally. Turkey is a safe spot for tourism and culture. This country will continue to grow and continue to develop its sports activities,” TRT World reported on Sunday.
The race, in its 29th year, is organized by the Turkish Olympic Committee and invites competitors to participate in a celebration of sports and health.