WELLINGTON, Novel Zealand – Jakub Kačerovský has etched his name in the history books, becoming the first Czech man to successfully swim the treacherous Cook Strait. The 32-year-aged completed the roughly 22-kilometer (13.7-mile) crossing on March 11, 2026, in a remarkable time of 7 hours and 9 minutes, a feat that places him among the elite in open-water swimming.
The Cook Strait, separating the North and South Islands of New Zealand, is notorious for its strong and unpredictable currents, cold water temperatures, and challenging conditions. Kačerovský’s swim wasn’t just a test of endurance; it was a battle against the elements. He reported water temperatures hovering below 14 degrees Celsius (57 degrees Fahrenheit) for the majority of the swim, coupled with relentless waves.
“It was an incredible experience, and also the most challenging swim I’ve ever done,” Kačerovský told Novinky.cz. “The combination of factors was the hardest part. For the first two and a half hours, the strait was full of jellyfish, and a shark reportedly swam by, though the boat crew managed to steer it away. Then it was just a constant cycle of water and ‘jelly,’ and the other shore just wouldn’t get any closer.”
Kačerovský’s time is considered exceptionally speedy, falling just over two hours behind the current world record of 4 hours and 33 minutes, set by Andy Donaldson in 2023. This accomplishment underscores the demanding nature of the Cook Strait and the impressive level of athleticism required to conquer it.
The Cook Strait is one of the “Oceans Seven” challenges, a set of seven of the most difficult open-water swims in the world. These swims are considered the pinnacle of long-distance swimming. Kačerovský has already completed another of these challenges, successfully crossing the English Channel last June in 9 hours and 10 minutes. He has set his sights on completing all seven.
Prior to Kačerovský’s achievement, only one woman, Abhejali Bernardová, had completed a solo swim of the Cook Strait, doing so in 2018 with a time of 13 hours and 9 minutes. Bernardová is one of only ten people in history to have completed the Oceans Seven challenge.
Kačerovský’s journey was supported by Unie ROSKA, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting patients with multiple sclerosis. He swam to raise awareness and funds for the organization, and a concurrent fundraising effort saw swimmers across the Czech Republic collectively swim 138 kilometers (85.7 miles) in support of the cause. The proceeds will go towards movement activities for patients.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Kačerovský also works as a swimming coach and lifeguard at Aquapalace Praha. Vladana Horáková, the general director of Aquapalace Praha, praised Kačerovský, stating, “We are incredibly proud of Jakub. He is an inspiration not only to our visitors but also to our colleagues. It’s wonderful to witness that we have exceptional athletes among our employees who can succeed on the world stage and share their experience.”
Kačerovský’s success is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and skill. His accomplishment not only marks a significant milestone in Czech sporting history but also highlights the growing popularity and challenge of open-water swimming. For those following Kačerovský’s career, his next target will be tackling the remaining challenges of the Oceans Seven, continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in long-distance swimming.
The next step for Kačerovský is to continue training and preparing for his next Oceans Seven challenge. Details regarding his upcoming swims will be announced through his official channels and the Unie ROSKA website. Fans can follow his progress and learn more about the cause he supports at www.roska.eu.
