A teary-eyed American who set out on Canadian waters to try and set a world record finished his marathon lake swim adventure Tuesday night.
Having swam the length of Okanagan Lake, which is about 105 kilometres, in just over 40 hours, triathlete Adam Ellenstein is now hoping he’ll hear from Guiness, stating he set a record.
WATCH BELOW: American attemps to set world record in Canadian waters
The 39 year old started the long trek on Monday morning at 5 a.m. at Kin beach in Vernon and finished Tuesday night just after 11 p.m. in Penticton near the S.S. Sicamous.
Ellenstein was wobbly, falling once as he tried to walk from the shallow waters of the lake to the shore once he completed the swim.
He was emotional and happy as he approached the crowd of onlookers who cheered as he walked onto the sand and was met with embracing hugs and supporters providing encouraging words.
When asked what he would be doing now that the swim was over, he made it clear he’s looking forward to satisfying his hunger.
“As I was coming in it smelled like Chinese food, that sounds pretty good,” he said.
If he reaches his goal, it would mean he set a world record for the fastest non-stop swim of Okanagan Lake.
Watch above to see the moment Ellenstein arrived to the shore of Okanagan Lake in Penticton after nearly two straight days of swimming.
The swim is a fundraiser for a foundation that supports people with Parkinson’s.
~ With files from Megan Turcato and Kelly Hayes
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