5 minute read
Every swim Bárbara Hernández completes sounds incomprehensibly gruelling.
Always in a swimming costume, never in a wetsuit, the world champion ice swimmer is aptly named ‘The Chilean Ice Mermaid’ for good reason.
Outside of dominating world championships, she’s completed some of the hardest swimming achievements in the history of open water swimming.
In recent years, her impressive accomplishments include becoming the first person to swim more than 2.5km in Antarctic waters in 2023, where she claimed the Guinness World Record for the longest polar swim ever in Antarctica or the Arctic.
In 2024, she completed the biggest open water swimming challenge on the planet, the Oceans Seven. If you’re unfamiliar, it’s seven of the most difficult open water channels and straits in the world. Due to the temperamental nature of the oceans and complex logistics, it’s an accomplishment that requires immense perseverance in and out of the water and can take years to complete.
And what about in 2025? She’s taken on the English Channel twice, swimming from England to France and then back to England, a feat only accomplished by 24 swimmers in history.
Going into this, it was predicted to take around 30 hours without sleep in 15° to 18°C water temperatures.
The way to France was almost too good to be true; however, arriving in France was a different story. Unfortunately, she slipped on a rock and sprained her ankle, an injury she’d have to carry during the second half of her swim.
On the return to England, bad weather appeared, and rough sea conditions increased. The last 8 hours of the swim were intense, fighting against the wind.
And we haven’t even mentioned the jellyfish stings!
After being diverted to a safer location to get back on land, Bárbara completed a 107km swim and became the first South American female swimmer to complete the double crossing.
Bárbara surpassed her estimated time, reaching England in 27 hours and 19 minutes.
Swimming 107km is an unbelievable achievement. Is this your longest swim to date?
Thank you very much. This is indeed the longest swim of my life.
How do you prepare for a long swim predicted to take around 30 hours without sleep?
Training is key. I swam up to 12km a day from Monday to Saturday, with a gym, a nutritionist, a physiotherapist, a psychologist, ocean training, and even an 8-hour night swim at just 13 degrees Celsius.
How did it feel when you reached the halfway mark in France?
It was great to know we were halfway there. The truth is, we worked on my mind to understand that my swim was only just beginning at that point, that the first leg was a warm-up for the most important and difficult part.
What was the most challenging part?
I think it was swimming with a sprained ankle after standing on the rocks in the first half and the last eight hours of the swim, where a bad weather front moved in, jeopardising the success of the crossing.
What keeps you pushing in such demanding conditions?
The team. I believed they always play a relevant part; they repre
sent the effort of this preparation, they represent my country, but also the many people who trust us and value the importance of overcoming barriers.
What was the most memorable part?
Swimming with seals! Haha! And wildlife! Fighting those finish lines without giving up in the middle of the night with huge waves and wind! Overcoming hypothermia and auditory hallucinations from so many sleepless hours!
What couldn't you have done without during this challenge?
Without the team. Exactly a year ago, we had to cancel the double crossing of the Catalina Channel because I didn't feel safe in the water, and we didn't have the necessary equipment on the boat. It was very difficult, but from that point forward, we always prioritised having the right people to make it happen. A swimmer never conquers the ocean; they adapt to it and fight alongside their team for a chance to literally reach the other shore. And whoever forgets that needs to come swim in our glaciers and the Southern Ocean, haha. It's a good reminder of humility and tenacity.
How did you recover afterward?
After the crossing, we went very quickly to the apartment. We are experts in managing hypothermia, so in a few hours I was better. I slept for a couple of hours, and then we were with friends celebrating and eating cake.
What's next for you?
So close to the English Channel we have just achieved our 4th Guinness World record for the longest female distance in cold waters in the world, so I think for now I will rest with my husband, look for a beach with warm waters to have a vacation hopefully and decide if our return to Antarctica is scheduled for January 2026.
Follow Bárbara
Instagram: @barbarehlla_h
Facebook: Bárbara Hernández H.
x: @barbarellah
#dryrobeterritory
Published on September 26, 2025