World record around Ibiza: Nathalie Pohl writes swimming history

The German extreme swimmer Nathalie Pohl together with the Scotsman Andy Donaldson History was made. In almost 31 hours, the two athletes swam around the island of Ibiza – a first in the history of open water swimming. Never before had a human being attempted this challenge, let alone successfully completed it.

120 kilometers in the open sea

On October 3, 2025, Nathalie Pohl and Andy Donaldson returned to the starting point of their swim after 30 hours, 57 minutes, and 49 seconds – setting a new world record. The route around Ibiza is approximately 120 kilometers, significantly longer than originally planned. Currents, wind, and waves made the record attempt an extreme test of body and mind.

The two swimmers alternated every two hours. While one was in the water, the other stayed on the support boat to refuel and recover. This rotation principle is standard practice in official tandem record attempts and requires perfect teamwork and iron discipline.

A sporting masterpiece

What Pohl and Donaldson achieved is extraordinary in many ways. The Mediterranean Sea wasn't at its calmest during the attempt—changing currents, darkness, and exhaustion accompanied them day and night.

For Nathalie Pohl, this world record was the crowning achievement of a career marked by years of determination, courage, and mental strength. Her achievement is not only a sporting triumph, but also a symbol of how far willpower and team spirit can carry people.

Swimming for a good cause

With her world record around Ibiza, Nathalie Pohl combined not only sporting ambition but also a clear mission: Saving lives through swimming knowledgeTogether with her team, she started a large Fundraiserto support children and young people who do not have access to swimming lessons.

Under the motto “Every lap counts – for more safety in the water” were over EUR 150.000 The donations will be used to train swimming coaches, organize courses, and finance life jackets for children. The long-term goal is to enable more people to swim safely – and thus prevent drowning accidents.

This event demonstrates that Nathalie Pohl not only achieves great things in the water, but also takes responsibility on land. Her world record has become a symbol of courage, perseverance, and social commitment.

From the English Channel to the Ocean's Seven

Nathalie Pohl has long been among the world's elite in extreme swimming. In 2024, she made history as the first German woman to cross all seven straits of the legendary "Ocean's Seven"—the equivalent of the "Seven Summits" in mountaineering. These include the English Channel, the Catalina Channel, the Tsugaru Strait, and the North Channel between Ireland and Scotland.

Pohl holds several world records, including the fastest crossing of the Strait of Gibraltar and the Jersey Channel. Her achievements are the result of years of preparation, countless hours of training, and the ability to stay focused even under extreme conditions.

Physical and mental strength

Extreme swimming is one of the toughest disciplines in sports. The water temperature, nutrition during swimming, navigation in complete darkness, and the danger of currents place enormous demands on the body and mind. Nathalie Pohl trains specifically for these challenges – with mental coaching, cold-weather adaptation, and strength training.

During the Ibiza record attempt, there were several critical moments when wind and waves made swimming difficult. Nevertheless, Pohl and Donaldson remained undeterred, battling kilometer after kilometer until they passed the final buoy, exhausted but happy.

Symbol of perseverance and courage

The world record around Ibiza is more than a sporting sensation. It represents endurance, determination, and the power of teamwork. Pohl and Donaldson have proven that limits often exist only in the mind – and that with courage, discipline, and passion, the impossible becomes possible.

This extraordinary achievement will go down in open water swimming history and inspire future generations of swimmers.

About Nathalie Pohl

Nathalie Luisa Pohl, born on October 13, 1994 in Marburg, is one of the most successful extreme swimmers in the world. Even as a child, she was enthusiastic about the water, and later discovered her passion for open water.

She is a multiple world record holder, recipient of the "Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming," and the first German woman to complete the Ocean's Seven. Nathalie Pohl is considered a symbol of mental strength, discipline, and unwavering belief in one's own goals.

In addition to sports, she is involved in water and safety projects and inspires people around the world to overcome their own limits. Her world record around Ibiza is further proof that success begins where others give up.

Photos: Daniel Toni Jais
Website: nathaliepohl.de
Instgram: pohlnathalie

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