Mexican open-water swimmer David Olvera has set a new Guinness World Record, completing the fastest circumnavigation swim around Manhattan Island in history. Plunging into the dark waters of the East River at 2 a.m. on June 26, the 31-year-old athlete finished the 28.5-mile (45.9 km) race in an incredible 5 hours, 34 minutes, and 58 seconds.

A Record-Breaking Swim

Olvera’s time shaves a full seven minutes off the previous record of 5 hours, 41 minutes, and 48 seconds, which was set less than a year earlier by Andrew Donaldson (UK). The grueling race, officially known as the “20 Bridges Swim” (for the number of bridges swimmers pass under), is a prestigious event for open-water swimmers and is one of the three components of the sport’s “Triple Crown.”

During his nocturnal swim, Olvera navigated the Hudson, East, and Harlem rivers. He battled a heatwave and strong currents, and at one point had to sprint to get out of the way of the Staten Island Ferry to avoid missing a favorable tide. Despite the challenges, his efforts were rewarded with a new world record.

A Dream Fulfilled

For Olvera, a native of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, the record was the culmination of years of intense training and a disciplined mental approach. In an interview with the World Open Water Swimming Association, he described the feeling of finishing as “pure joy.”

“I splashed the water, and it felt like I had won a 50 m free[style gold medal] in the Olympics,” he said. “I’ve had personal victories, but to actually accomplish something I set out to do—and see it manifested in real life—was different. It was an incredible feeling.”

Olvera credits his success to not only his rigorous physical training—which included swimming 50-60 kilometers per week—but also his focus on breathwork, recovery, and a mental state he describes as “unbreakable.” His record-breaking swim around Manhattan has not only cemented his place among the world’s elite open-water swimmers but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.