Andy Donaldson swam by night through shark-infested waters to break the record by four minutes.
A Scot has set a new world record for the fastest swim across the Cook Strait - the shark-infested waters between New Zealand's North and South Islands.It was the third leg of seven comprising the Oceans Seven challenge.
The body of water across to Picton, at the top of the country's South Island, is known for its great white sharks and strong tides.Wearing just "a pair of Speedos, goggles and a swim cap" - competitors are not allowed to use wetsuits - Donaldson said it was "pretty surreal" swimming under the moon and stars.
"Swimming through the hours of darkness was a nerve-wracking experience, but we couldn't have asked for a better swim."Andy, a proud Scot, won national titles in the pool before switching to open water events Last August he swam across the English Channel in eight hours to break a 25-year-old British record, before completing the North Channel from Northern Ireland to Portpatrick in September in nine hours.
"The best preparation is to just go in for a cold swim and really acclimatise to the conditions. If you are not ready, it can really affect you and almost shut your body down."
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