Dina Levačić, a 27-year-old swimmer from Split-Solin-Mravince, is embarking on a new adventure in South Africa, challenging herself with three marathons that present varying levels of difficulty.

"If I manage to complete two out of three marathons, I will be satisfied," says Dina.

The first marathon is Robben Island, spanning 11 kilometers. Despite its relatively short length, it poses significant challenges.

"We swim from Robben Island, known for the prison where Nelson Mandela was held. First swum in 1909, it holds more of a symbolic role in the marathon world than being particularly demanding. The swim takes only two to three hours, but the unique aspect is the very low ocean temperatures. Robben, located in the Atlantic, can have temperatures drop to 10 degrees, which is very cold. I hope that for my swim, it could be 13-15 degrees, making the swimming much easier," says Dina, adding:

"The second marathon is False Bay, slightly warmer as it's in the Indian Ocean. Its uniqueness lies in its 33-kilometer length and constant winds. The winds are consistently strong, and in brief periods, they blow at less than 20 km/h, allowing for swimming, lasting about eight to 11 hours.

"The third marathon is the shortest, Cap Point and Cap of Good Hope (Rt Dobre nade), around ten kilometers. However, given the collision of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans in that area, the weather is highly unpredictable, with strong currents, and only a few days a year are suitable for swimming. If only Cap Point is swum, it's about eight kilometers, and if you go to Cap of Good Hope, then it's about 11 kilometers... Lengths vary depending on the strength of currents and winds...

A significant concern for swimmers in that region is the danger of great white sharks living in large colonies.

"Interestingly, until 2019, there were many sharks, hundreds..., but since then, the local association monitoring their life and movement has recorded only a few individuals. It is assumed they scattered due to the arrival of two killer whales, their natural enemies," says Dina. When asked if killer whales are dangerous to swimmers, she laughs:

"People organizing the swims know what they are doing, monitor the situation, and certainly will not jeopardize the lives of swimmers. Honestly, my mom is more afraid than I am. She insisted that the swimsuit be as colorful as possible because it is known that most shark attacks on humans occur when they mistake them for seals, their prey. I try to think about it as little as possible and look forward to meeting African penguins. In False Bay, there is a colony of over 3000 individuals, so it will be interesting to see them. The first goal is always for everything to go well, then for the swims to be successful, but also to send a message to people to engage in sports and care for nature. If I succeed, I will be the first person from Croatia to accomplish this, and only 16 people in history have succeeded in completing such a feat.

Dina sets off on Sunday, with a planned return on February 25, and everything else depends on the weather forecast at the location. Interestingly, on her return, she will briefly stop in Doha, where the World Masters Swimming Championship is taking place.

"Although I am 27 years old, I have the right to compete as a veteran because the first veteran category is from 25 to 30 years old. It is a three-kilometer race, and the sea temperature is already 18-20 degrees, so it will be easier for me. It coincided that I am returning from South Africa at that time, so why not try...

After returning, Dina awaits a new project called "104 Dalmatians," and her plan is to swim around 104 islands, islets, rocks... as many as officially registered in the registry in the four Dalmatian counties from May to October this year. It's a soul project...

"The shortest section is 50 meters, and the longest is 22 kilometers. I will swim around most, of course, the largest ones like Brač, Hvar, Korčula... no, but I want all those little islands... In total, it will be 1180 kilometers of swimming. The goal is to tell the story of our gems, bring them closer to foreigners, but also to our people, raise awareness for people to care for nature because we will have actions to clean the seabed along the way, and a humanitarian action. During the swim, people will be able to symbolically buy islands or donate funds that we will forward to projects carried out by numerous associations on Dalmatian islands," concludes Dina.

Source:24sata.hr, 31.01.2024.