A London lawyer has set a new world record for the fastest ever female solo row across the Atlantic in an effort to “show women and girls anything is possible.”
Victoria Evans rowed into Barbados on Thursday aboard her 22-foot-long rowing boat (7m), after 40 days at sea.
The 35-year-old began her race in the Canary Islands on February 11 with no idea that she would slash the current standing World Record by nine days.
The journey also raised money for the UK charity Women in Sport.
“Taking on this epic challenge was about driving positive change, inspiring others and using the achievement as a platform to progress the narrative about women in sport,” said Evans at the finish line, where she was welcomed by friends and family who travelled from the United Kingdom.
In total, Victoria rowed 2,559 nautical miles in a world-record time of 40 days and 19 hours, smashed the previous record of 49 days and 7 hours.
RELATED: Lifting Weights for Just Three Seconds a Day Helps Our Muscles Grow, According to Scientists
Victoria, who had never rowed before, spent three years training for the challenge, gaining the required qualifications and preparing to get seaworthy.
According to ExplorersWeb, she rowed 12 to 14 hours a day to become the fastest of the 11 women who have successfully crossed the Atlantic from east to west.
LOOK: 70-Year-Old Sets Record as Oldest Woman to Climb El Capitan in Yosemite, to Better Know Her Son
“A solo expedition is about so much more than one person.
“Completing the crossing is just the start of this work… I can use this experience to show that we are capable of anything.”
Victoria is the founder of Sea Change Sport, and her adventure has raised £24,000 for Women in Sport, a charity that aims to give every woman and girl the chance to transformational and lifelong benefits of sport.
“How mind-boggling to be at sea with sharks and dolphins for company and to overcome such massive obstacles to reach the finish line?” said the CEO of Women in Sport, Stephanie Hilborne.
ROW This Achievement Over to Women and Girls on Social Media…
Amazing!