Martin Strel, renowned as the world’s greatest marathon swimmer, is an inspirational public figure whose extraordinary physical feats and compelling personal story make him a sought-after motivational speaker on the global stage. With a lifetime dedicated to endurance, mental resilience and environmental causes, Martin is hired by corporations, schools and sporting institutions to speak about perseverance, peak performance and the importance of having a meaningful mission. His speeches are as impactful as his swims – designed to stir audiences into action, whether in their personal goals or broader social responsibilities.
Born in Mokronog, a small Slovenian town rich in rivers and lakes, Martin’s relationship with water began early. What started as childhood swims in natural settings soon evolved into university-level competitions and eventually into an unmatched 37-year career in endurance swimming. His first major breakthrough came in 2000 when he swam the entire Danube River – 1,780 miles in 58 days – securing his first Guinness World Record. A year later, he shattered yet another by swimming 313.5 miles non-stop over 84 hours and 10 minutes in the same river, establishing himself as a phenomenon in long-distance swimming.
Martin’s achievements only grew more astounding. He conquered the mighty Mississippi River in 68 days, followed by swims across the Argentine Paraná, China’s Yangtze, and Brazil’s Amazon Rivers. The Amazon alone stretched 3,273 miles, completed in just 66 days and earning him yet another world record. With over 24,000 miles swum across 107 countries, he has become not only a symbol of endurance but also a passionate advocate for environmental causes, particularly clean water. He has been joined on parts of his swims by global politicians, drawing international attention to water pollution and the need for urgent action.
Now aged 60, Martin continues to innovate. He and his son run a swimming adventure holiday business in scenic locations such as Arizona, Croatia, and Turkey, and he has recently joined the Institute of Adventure Studies. As a motivational speaker, Martin is hired not just for his world records but for his ability to turn extreme experiences into lessons on persistence, purpose, and mental toughness. His talks leave lasting impressions, reminding audiences that with enough determination, even the longest rivers can be crossed.
