Noam Yaron abandons his challenge to swim from Calvi to Monaco a few kilometers from the finish

Setting out from Calvi with the ambition of swimming to Monaco, without direct motorized assistance, Noam Yaron knew he was embarking on an extraordinary endurance challenge. But he hadn't imagined how merciless the Mediterranean could be, even in the height of summer.

The Swiss had set himself an unprecedented challenge: to swim to Monaco without ever leaving the water.

The 180-km route was to be completed continuously over several days and nights. This project is part of an ecological and scientific approach: to raise public awareness of the critical state of the Mediterranean and to collect samples for the study of fauna, plankton, and microplastics.

Last year, Noam had already attempted this challenge, but adverse weather conditions interrupted his progress after the symbolic milestone of 100 km covered.

This time, fate was even crueler for the 28-year-old athlete, who had to abandon the race just a few kilometers from the beach at the Méridien Beach Plaza Monaco, the place planned to welcome him upon arrival and thus formalize his achievement.

Since Thursday evening, the Swiss had been able to see the Monegasque coast without ever being able to get close enough, due to strong sea currents and certainly the fatigue accumulated throughout his journey.

" He's breathing, he's talking, he's being cared for by doctors ," his team commented, even reporting a few jokes between him and his mother as he was taken away by a boat.

After 5 days and 4 nights, more than 100 hours spent swimming, Noam Yaron will now be able to rest and take stock of a historic sporting performance that feels unfinished.