Maya Merhige did it!
A preview of the attempt was published at TSC on July 7.
Maya Merhige, the 18-year-old marathon swimmer from Berkeley, California, successfully swam the North Channel, 34.5 kilometers (21.4 miles), from Ireland to Scotland, finishing on July 8, 2026, in 12 hours, 19 minutes, and 37 seconds (12:19:37).
Maya embarked on this monumental swim as part of her quest to be one of the youngest (possibly the youngest) to complete the Oceans Seven swims—this was her 5th successful Oceans Seven swim.
Maya not only made waves for herself, but also to support family and friends who are enduring even greater challenges, fighting cancer — with the names of those who have or are fighting that battle written on her swim cap — and to raise funds for the nonprofit Swim Across America, which she has been swimming with since she was just 9 years old.
To support Merhige’s swims and fundraising efforts, visit swimacrossamerica.org/maya.
