Before diving into the waters in Kent, UK, McCardell said: “I think women sometimes don’t get as much credit for their accomplishments as they should. Getting female examples is great for me.” After about 34 kilometers and about 10 hours in the water, the swimmer reached the Pointe de la Courte Dune in northern France. In her own words, she wants to inspire girls with her record and show that anything is possible.

McCardell did not learn to swim until she was eleven years old. In 2009, she crossed the channel for the first time. In 2015, she crossed the channel three times, which took about 37 hours. A few days ago, McCardell swam for the 43rd time through the canal, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. She equaled the British record Alison Streeter.

The record for men is Briton Kevin Murphy, who swam 34 times across the canal.

After about 34 kilometers and about 10 hours in the water, the swimmer reached the Pointe de la Courte Dune in northern France.

Ⓒ ANP / HH

This is not the first record McCardell has obtained. On October 22, 2014, she swam 124.4 kilometers in 41 hours and 21 minutes between two Caribbean islands. She set the world record for the longest unassisted sea swim.