1997 Bering Strait Marathon Swim

In 1997, Jack set out to swim the entire distance between Russia and the United States.

Jack was inspired to undertake such an act after seeing Lynne Cox's swim between the islands of Big Diomede and Little Diomede, an athletic feat that is recognised as helping ease tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Jack set out to do one better, and swim the entire length of the Bering Strait from Alaska to Russia, without stopping at the Diomede islands.

This route would take Jack through 85 kilometres of frigid 5o C open sea-water, starting at Wales Airport, Nome, Alaska and finishing in a remote part of the Chukchi Peninsula, Russia. He also set his own rules, stating he must stay in the water at all times, even to sleep. However, due to the danger and duration of the swim, a small crew aboard a Naval Combat Unit boat would accompany Jack throughout the journey.

Before even attempting the swim, the White Wolves Advanced Materials Laboratory created a special swimming suit for Jack, which could both keep him afloat and protect him for the near-freezing conditions of the seawater.

The swim was incredibly tough on Jack, as he could only maintain 2.8 miles per hour in water, and was in a continuous fight against the cold trying to immobilise him. Nevertheless, Jack completed the swim in 19 hours, 13 minutes and 25 seconds, without sleeping and eating and drinking while still in the water.