Tuna Tunca makes history as the first autistic athlete to cross the Strait of Gibraltar

İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Sports Club’s 22-year-old ultra-marathon swimmer Tuna Tunca has crossed the Strait of Gibraltar solo in 5 hours and 32 minutes. With this major achievement, Tunca has earned the title of the first autistic marathon swimmer in the world to cross the Strait of Gibraltar alone.

Tuna Tunca, who became the first autistic male swimmer in the world to cross the English Channel solo in June 2025, has achieved another historic milestone. Tunca jumped into the water from the coast of Punta Marroquí, Spain, at 08:27 on September 4, 2025, and completed the 16.2-kilometer course in 5 hours and 32 minutes, reaching the coast of Punta Cires, Morocco, at 13:50. Thus, he became the first autistic athlete to cross the Strait of Gibraltar solo.

Tuna Tunca completed his solo crossing alongside a group that included Spanish athletes Ariadna Moreno and Victor Gregori Barrera, as well as British athlete Rohan Crouse. İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Sports Club Triathlon Coach Mert Onaran, who was on the support boat, provided motivation and nutritional support to Tunca throughout the crossing.

TWO STAGES OF THE OCEAN'S SEVEN COMPLETED

Having crossed the Strait of Gibraltar following the English Channel, Tuna Tunca has successfully completed the second stage of the “Ocean’s Seven” series, which consists of the most challenging open-water swimming courses. With this achievement, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Sports Club athlete Tunca has once again written his name into sports history.

News Source: 12punto