Eva Buzo, a Sydney-based humanitarian lawyer, has completed a gruelling 92-kilometre swim from Italy to Albania, showcasing the skills she honed at Coogee Beach during the pandemic.
The 35-hour marathon swim began on 17 August 2024 at 2:00 p.m. local time. Eva, an international criminal law specialist, faced challenging conditions in the Adriatic Sea, including strong currents and complicated water movements.
Training and Preparation
Eva’s journey to this remarkable achievement began during the COVID-19 pandemic when she joined the Coogee Beach swimming club Vladswim. Under the guidance of marathon swimming coach Vlad Mravec, she trained rigorously, swimming 8km daily on weekdays and 10-15km on weekends. This intense regimen prepared her for the demanding nature of long-distance open-water swimming.
The lawyer’s dedication to her training at Coogee Beach was crucial to her success. The famous Sydney beach provided the perfect backdrop for Eva to build her endurance and acclimatise to open water conditions. Her commitment to the sport quickly grew, transforming her from a novice ocean swimmer to an accomplished marathon swimmer in just a few years.
Challenges Faced
During the swim, Eva encountered several significant obstacles that tested her physical and mental fortitude. Strong currents posed a major challenge, having previously thwarted her first attempt at the crossing.
Last year, she swam for 28 hours but could not complete the journey due to these powerful water movements.
As the swim progressed, fatigue-induced hallucinations became a troubling issue. Eva reported seeing “monsters out of movies” during the dark hours of her swim, adding a psychological challenge to the already demanding physical task.
The lawyer described feeling fearful during these moments, emphasising the impact of extreme fatigue on her mental state.
The physical toll of the swim was considerable. Prolonged exposure to saltwater caused numbness and swelling in Eva’s mouth, affecting her ability to control it. This condition, which she likened to the aftermath of wisdom teeth removal, necessitated a brief hospital stay after the swim for monitoring and recovery.
Despite these challenges, Eva persevered. She recounted the final moments of the swim, stating that she believed she would finish at the last 25 metres. The changing conditions and slow progress made the final stretch feel interminable, but her determination ultimately saw her through.
@evabuzoswims What does it take to be an ultra endurance swimmer? Lets find out…#womeninsport ♬ original sound – Eva Buzo
Personal Significance
For Eva, an Australian with Albanian heritage, the swim held special meaning beyond the physical achievement.
Her grandfather, Zihni Buzo, came to Australia as a refugee in 1946 after fleeing Albania during World War II. This family history added an emotional dimension to her journey, connecting her to her ancestral roots uniquely and powerfully.
Zihni’s story is remarkable in its own right. He studied engineering at Harvard on a scholarship and spent several years building water projects in Albania before the circumstances of war forced him to seek refuge in Australia.
Fundraising Efforts
Eva used the swim to raise awareness for Victim Advocates International, a charity she founded in 2020. The organisation supports victims of serious international crimes, including war crimes and genocide.
Prior to the swim, Eva had set a goal of raising $20,000 for the charity. She believed that her athletic endeavour would help bring wider public attention to her work in human rights, noting that while her professional achievements are well-known within the human rights community, swimming could reach a broader audience.
Future Aspirations
She is believed to be the first officially to swim between these two countries – Italy and Albania.
Earlier this year, she completed the earliest crossing of the English Channel by a female swimmer in the season, further cementing her status as a formidable athlete.
Having conquered this challenging swim and previously crossed the English Channel, Ea continues to push the boundaries of long-distance swimming. Her latest achievement adds to her growing list of accomplishments both in and out of the water.
Published 26-Aug-2024
