After crossing the English Channel by swimming in September 2025, Julie Janczewski, a volunteer with the Departmental Fire and Rescue Service of Bouches-du-Rhône (SDIS 13), has achieved another major feat: swimming around Manhattan. This performance, completed on September 15th, carried a double symbolic meaning.
« I wanted to give it meaning by paying tribute to the victims of September 11th and the 343 New York firefighters who died, but also to raise funds for the Œuvre des pupilles (Children's Charity), » confided the athlete who has added this new challenge to her record.
« I have always loved ultra-distance challenges, especially in swimming, » explains Julie. « The tour of Manhattan always impressed me because people always say New York is a huge city. I always wanted to know if it was possible, I researched it and it is indeed feasible, » she details. On the day of the event, apprehension was present: « It's always a bit stressful and I was a little apprehensive, I was afraid of failing, because it's not something you do every day. »
The first few minutes were « quite complicated » due to « quite strong swell » and the proximity of ferries. « I passed close to ferries and it was moving a lot! I hit the kayak following me several times! » she recounts. Quickly, she managed the situation to finish in 12 hours and six minutes.
Her father, present on the support boat, played a crucial role: « My dad was on the boat to follow me and without him, nothing would have been possible! He gave me enormous support and I am very grateful for that. I am truly incredibly lucky, » smiles Julie. She also praised the support of her colleagues: « They say I'm a machine! They encourage me all the time, they are really great. »
Julie's next goal is to participate in a relay for the Enduroman, « considered the toughest triathlon in the world », linking London to Paris. Until then, preparation remains key, and she resumed training just a few days after her return from New York.
