21-Year-Old swimmer sets record-breaking time in 45 km around Hong Kong Island

Reported by Kajsa Svedlund Kylsjö

Edited by Linnea Hedman

In a stunning display of stamina and community spirit, 21-year-old Emeric Payer set a new course record for the 45-kilometres HK360 circumnavigation swim around Hong Kong Island on Nov. 2, 2026.

Payer completed the gruelling open-water challenge in a historic time of 10 hours, 22 minutes, and 59 seconds, shaving more than 13 minutes off the previous course record of 10:35:58, set by Waris Mills on Nov. 26, 2025.

A dream come true 

For Payer, standing at the finish line as the new record holder was a milestone he once thought unattainable.

"When I signed up six months ago, I saw the 45 km distance and the fast pace they put me up on and I was telling myself, 'I will never do that,'" Payer said after reaching the shore. 

Having never attempted long-distance swims of this scale, Payer trained under Edie Hu, an experienced open-water swimmer who completed the HK360 in 2018. Under her coaching, Payer ramped up his training over six months, joining local races and steadily increasing his mileage.

"A couple of weeks ago, he did a 10-hour swim in Repulse Bay, swimming back and forth from the beach to South Bay. It was really nice that day to see his confidence that he could actually do it," Hu said.

Braving the dark and unpredictable waters

Open-water swim experts and organisers regard the 45-kilometre HK360 as one of the region’s most demanding endurance challenges. Swimmers must contend with unpredictable currents, choppy waters, and heavy commercial shipping traffic.

Payer launched his attempt under the cover of darkness at 4 am. When the sun finally rose just before 6 am, it provided a vital mental boost for the long journey ahead.

"This morning’s sunrise was magical, one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever seen. That image will stay with me forever. At the same time I’m just so relieved it’s over. It’s probably been one of the toughest days of my life, but it’s so worth it," Payer said.

"You’re never really swimming alone"

Under official HK360 regulations, participants may be accompanied by support swimmers during the attempt. In a display of sportsmanship, former record holder Waris Mills, alongside friend and swimmer Alex McIntyre, dived in to swim side-by-side with Payer, keeping his pace and helping him push through the final, painful metres.

"I tried to make sure I was always synchronised with him so he could see my face, telling him to kick so he could keep up," Mills said. "I could see that he was struggling, so I just kept encouraging him because I knew he was so close to the record. I just kept pushing him."

As Mills and Hu accompanied Payer on the final stretch to the finish line, it brought back powerful memories for Mills of her own record-setting swim last year.

"I felt a bit emotional thinking of my own experience, but also just seeing how special it is to complete something like this and share it with everyone. Because in the end, you’re never really swimming alone," Mills said.

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Payer said the support of his team and well-wishers carried him through the hardest moments of the 10-hour ordeal.

"It’s all about the journey and the people I met," Payer said. "Some of them were in the support boat, some were waiting at the finish line, and others couldn't come but sent so many messages. That’s what open-water swimming is really about. They are the reason this was such a great experience."

More information about the HK360 Challenge:

• Official channel rules:

  Under standard open-water regulations (WOWSA/English Channel rules), swimmers are not permitted to wear wetsuits or thermal gear, only a standard swimsuit, cap and goggles.

• No physical contact:

  Swimmers cannot touch the escort boat, kayak, or support crew at any point during the 45 km route. All nutrition and hydration are passed to the swimmer using ropes or nets from the support kayak.

• Navigation & marine safety:

  Due to heavy commercial shipping and ferry traffic in Victoria Harbour, attempts require official permits from the Marine Department. Swimmers are escorted by a primary support boat with radio communication and a close-range kayak escort for navigation.

• Support swimmers:

  In accordance with HK360 guidelines, support swimmers are allowed to swim alongside the main swimmer for encouragement, provided they do not provide drafting assistance (swimming directly ahead to pull the swimmer).

• Tides & route:

  Swimmers typically start from Sai Wan Swimming Shed and complete the route in a clockwise direction to optimise favorable tides and current windows through Victoria Harbour.

• Vision & charity:

  The concept was conceived in 2016 by Shu Pu. The vision for the HK360Swim is to be recognisable worldwide as the signature swim challenge for Hong Kong, similar to the 20 Bridges Swim for New York City. Swimmers are also encouraged to make their effort count towards a cause through raising awareness and fundraising for charities close to their hearts.