A Sheikh in Bahrain invited our founder, Martin Strel, to swim with him. On the 14th March 2014, Bahrain sportsman Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, completed a gruelling 35km charity swim. The swim took him from Saudi Arabia to Bahrain, with Martin Strel and others, in order to raise funds for charity.

The challenge brought together more than 70 swimmers and triathletes. The participants came from diverse, international backgrounds all to swim with the Sheikh. Everyone had a shared sense of purpose as funds raised benefitted cancer patients and their families.

World-renowned marathon swimmers and triathletes from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Spain, USA, Slovenia, New Zealand and Australia took part alongside Sheikh Khalid. Martin was so proud to be invited to this special event amongst such an elite group of guests. He also said how incredibly hospitable the local people were and he hopes to return in the future.

Read more about Martin and his personal swimming journeys by following the links below:

Human Limits

Swimming the Mississippi

International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame

MartinStrel.com