Post: #1

This is a widely acclaimed documentary about the 3,300 mile journey Slovenian long distance swimmer Martin Strel embarked on when he swam the entire length of the Amazon (longer than the width of the Atlantic Ocean), the first man to do so.

Strel has achieved Guinness World Records for having also swam the entire length of the Danube, Mississippi, and Yangtze (world's most polluted) rivers.

For the Amazon, which he completed in 66 days, Strel swam 18 hours a day, and rested for 5 hours.

Two escort boats accompanied him, one which he used for sleeping and the other which carried things like pig blood, for if piranhas (which live in the Amazon) were to come to him, his assistants would dump pig blood to draw the the piranhas away from Strel while he climbs up the boat to safety.

There were all kinds of wild species in the Amazon, including one kind of amphibious creature that could enter your penis and permanently disable it.

What's funny about Strel is, despite being one of the world's greatest distance swimmers, he looks nothing like an athlete. He's overweight and a big drinker.

Btw, I've noticed that many distance swimmers happen to be on the chubby side. I suppose it helps them maintain buoyancy.

Anyway, it's a good doc. Enjoy. It's on Netflix as well.





   

Post: #2

He is a magnificent, larger than life beast. Lunacy and perseverance at once. He pushed himself so far that he crossed to the 'other side'... interesting comparison with the 'wind runners' of Tibet. Definitely an alpha beast at its raw Balkan Power™ finest.

One of my all time favorite docs. Well worth repeated watching.

And for the unreal claim I have no way of proving: I met this guy. When his son told me what he had done (they were on a promo tour of NA), I could believe it. The man has a steely glint in his eye that is both amazing and beautiful. I bought him a beer since I couldnt get him a horse burger.

Post: #3

I've heard about him when I was in Slovenia. Seems like an amazing guy. Plus the country is really proud of its athletes (think Leon Štukelj) and treats them with respect.

Interesting that he has a bit of a stomach, it's probably for insulation purposes.

Post: #4

(02-26-2014 05:17 AM)Handsome Creepy Eel Wrote:  Interesting that he has a bit of a stomach, it's probably for insulation purposes.

Buoyancy too, maybe. At any rate, a truly immense achievement...bravo, sir.

Post: #5

I find it strange that if you swim 18 hours a day for 66 days, you still have a stomach and average fysique like that. He must be burning calories like crazy and before he started he must have been training very intensive as well, how is this possible? I remember reading about Phelps how he eats as an absolute monster, but nothing sticks because of his training. But this man swims a lot more than him and yet it is not visible? Genetics as the only reason seems strange for me.

Post: #6

(02-26-2014 04:32 PM)rottenapple Wrote:  I find it strange that if you swim 18 hours a day for 66 days, you still have a stomach and average fysique like that. He must be burning calories like crazy and before he started he must have been training very intensive as well, how is this possible? I remember reading about Phelps how he eats as an absolute monster, but nothing sticks because of his training. But this man swims a lot more than him and yet it is not visible? Genetics as the only reason seems strange for me.

Maybe the fact that he swims downstream has something to do with it? I don't know. Even then, he still covers so much distance that it's equivalent to a lot of swimming in still water anyway. Not sure why his physique is how it is but at his age his metabolic rate has to be pretty low.

Post: #7

What's the point of swimming in the Amazon if he's too beta to not swim with piranhas.

Post: #8

Good on him, he's living life his way for sure.
It is pretty striking that he's carrying around some weight though. Wonder what's going on hormonally with all of that cardio - probably has high cortisol. Reinforces my view that endurance sports are not optimum for health.

Post: #9

(02-26-2014 07:13 PM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:  

(02-26-2014 04:32 PM)rottenapple Wrote:  I find it strange that if you swim 18 hours a day for 66 days, you still have a stomach and average fysique like that. He must be burning calories like crazy and before he started he must have been training very intensive as well, how is this possible? I remember reading about Phelps how he eats as an absolute monster, but nothing sticks because of his training. But this man swims a lot more than him and yet it is not visible? Genetics as the only reason seems strange for me.

Maybe the fact that he swims downstream has something to do with it? I don't know. Even then, he still covers so much distance that it's equivalent to a lot of swimming in still water anyway. Not sure why his physique is how it is but at his age his metabolic rate has to be pretty low.

Just imagine how much is he drinking as well... could add to a lot. I think they mentioned a bottle of wine a day, whiskey and some beers. Easy way to add a few thousand calories.

Post: #10

Strel:
- Long distance swimmer, despite age and weight has accomplished amazing feats
- Heavy drinker, consumes 2 bottles of wine a day even during river crossings
- Famous, does whatever he wants
- Eats horse burgers
- Ex-professional gambler, currently flamenco guitar teacher

And I'm only 10 mins in the doc.

Awesome.

Post: #11

(02-27-2014 10:41 AM)Ringo Wrote:  Strel:
- Long distance swimmer, despite age and weight has accomplished amazing feats
- Heavy drinker, consumes 2 bottles of wine a day even during river crossings
- Famous, does whatever he wants
- Eats horse burgers
- Ex-professional gambler, currently flamenco guitar teacher

And I'm only 10 mins in the doc.

Awesome.

He's...the most interesting man in the world.

Post: #12

This one about that woman who swam from Florida to Cuba came out a few days ago. She's got some meat on her bones too but also looks brawny for a woman.