On 11 September 2022, Li Ling Yung‑Hryniewiecki, aged 37, became Singapore’s first woman to swim the 34 km English Channel, finishing in 12 hours and 54 minutes—well under the average crossing time of 13h 33m. Her swim began under a full moon off Dover at 1 a.m., supported by a pilot boat and crew—including her husband—while conditions such as jellyfish, currents, and shipping lanes challenged her resolve.
Li completed the swim wearing only a standard swimsuit, goggles, and swim cap. Her preparation included ice baths, winter training in Hong Kong waters, and increasing her body fat by 10 kg to withstand cold temperatures. Her motivation was deeply personal and purposeful: to raise funds—HK$250,000—for Splash Foundation, a Hong Kong‑based charity providing swimming lessons to low‑income communities, including plans to expand into Singapore.
Swimming Beyond
Li’s crossing carried more than personal fulfilment—it was a statement about possibility. She had trained as a volunteer coach with Splash for years, sharing her passion for water safety and empowerment. As she said, “I want to show people that it’s possible if you put your mind to it,” especially for women and non-professional swimmers seeking to step outside their comfort zones.
Her timing placed her among elite long-distance swimmers worldwide, finishing significantly faster than the average. Most importantly, she channelled that achievement into impact: over 70% of her fundraising target had been raised at the time of her swim, with proceeds earmarked for enabling 100 domestic workers to access free lessons and coaching options .
What Lies Ahead: Current Status & Next Moves
As of mid‑2025, Li Ling has not yet announced a new ultra‑swim attempt, nor has she publicly declared upcoming challenges. Instead, her focus remains on advocacy and coaching through Splash Foundation—using her credibility and visibility to promote accessible swimming education and water safety in underserved communities.
While there’s no confirmed new expedition, Li herself has expressed openness to tackling other “big swims” in future summers—suggesting she may yet return to open‑water challenges when seasons and conditions align. For now, her impact continues through mentorship: guiding others toward beach safety and endurance goals.
Resilience as Ripple Effect
Li Ling’s Channel swim is more than an athletic feat—it embodies Singapore’s spirit: overcoming the unpredictable, giving back meaningfully, and showing collective potential through individual courage.
As Singapore commemorates 60 years, Li’s journey reminds us that impact often begins with personal resolve—and amplifies when paired with purpose. Her swim adds a vital current to our national story: one of quiet strength making visible waves.
