By Laura Frykberg
A one-legged man has become the first amputee to successfully swim the Cook Strait.
Italian long-distance swimmer Salvatore Cimmino completed the 26km journey in just over eight hours.
His arrival was much warmer than how he had spent time earlier; in sea water barely above 10degC.
Cimmino started his swim in Makara Beach, arriving in Perano Bay, at the top of the Marlborough Sounds. The journey took him just eight hours and 18 minutes.
Not only is he the first amputee to swim the Strait, he is the only person to ever brave the cold October waters. His mentor, Phillip Rush, says he’s impressed.
A cancerous tumour forced Cimmino’s leg to be amputated at 15 and he hopes his success will inspire others.
He swum the Strait faster than the first man and woman who did it back in the 60s and if he does it again in five years time in the same time, he’ll be the oldest person to swim the Strait.
Back on dry land, all Cimmino wanted was to “eat a few kilos of pasta”. Next he’s off to Congo to inspire other amputees.
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