Ultramarathon swimmer Tuna Tunca will be the first autistic person to cross the English Channel

Autistic ultramarathon swimmer Tuna Tunca received swimming training with the support of his mother, Anne Gülnur Tunca, after jumping into the pool without armbands at the age of 3.5 and loving the water. After the training, Tunca started working with trainer Mert Onaran at the age of 11 and won awards in various races. On June 23, 2024, Tunca swam the 36-kilometer distance from the Italian island of Capri to Naples with his trainer Mert Onaran. Tunca, who had previously swam the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles, became the first autistic individual to make an open water crossing by swimming from the Greek island of Chios to Çeşme.

Tunca, who aims to be the first autistic swimmer to cross the English Channel between England and France, continued his training by going to England on August 7, 2024. Tunca started swimming from the Dover Strait in England on September 15, 2024. Tunca, who swam continuously for 8 hours, ended the swim due to bad weather conditions upon the decision of the captain of the boat they set off on. Tunca, who did not give up and completed his preparations to cross the English Channel again this year, sets off on June 9. Autistic ultramarathon swimmer Tunca said, "I am ready to cross the English Channel and I am very excited. I swam in the sea throughout the winter. I did my training regularly. I went into the ice bath. I ate healthily. I will fly the Turkish flag after crossing and completing the English Channel."

Tuna's mother Gülnur Tunca, who said that his goal this year is clear, said, "He wants to realize his own dream and inspire thousands of people by crossing the English Channel. Last year, due to adverse weather conditions, the captain decided that it was dangerous to proceed and stopped the progress. However, this year, Tuna increased his training at the TSYD Urla Olympic Pool. Tuna wants to cross the English Channel, which is 36 kilometers from England to France, on the first day when the weather conditions are good between June 12 and 24. If he completes the difficult crossing, he will go down in history as the first Turkish autistic athlete to cross the English Channel. We did open water swimming training that lasted 7-8 hours and thus he developed his physical and mental endurance. He says that the medals he won represent not only athletic success but also a journey where differences turn into strength. In this way, Tuna will draw attention to the potential of autistic individuals and cross the English Channel in order to inspire. Tuna will show that autism is not an obstacle but a part of neurodiversity."

Tuna's trainer Mert Onaran said that they will repeat the English Channel crossing, which was left incomplete last year due to bad weather conditions, and said, "We will wait for the most suitable time to cross the English Channel between June 2-25. We expect the weather conditions to be better this year and at least the storms will be less than last year. However, since it is June, the water temperature will be 12-13 degrees. We went in September last year and the water temperature was changing between 17-18 degrees. Therefore, it may be a bit difficult for Tuna this year. We did a lot of waiting in the icy pool with Tuna and prepared Tuna. We hope that Tuna will achieve a first by completing this crossing this year."

Source: DHA