Marathon swimmer Petar Stoychev's record is officially in the Guinness Book

The previous world record was held by Andrew Donaldson - 355 days. Now, for the first time, all seven marathons were swum in 5 months and 20 days by Stoychev - half the time!

"I am proud that the name Petar Stoychev (Bulgaria) is now written for this achievement in the Guinness Book of Records", Stoychev wrote on social networks. "I dedicate it to all Bulgarians! Because we can! And we prove it! And Bulgaria deserves to be associated with the highest achievements! I will not stop expressing my gratitude to all Bulgarians for the enormous support," Stoychev wrote.

He also expressed gratitude to his faithful teammate Ivan Zlatinov, as well as to his coach Krasimir Tumanov.

The record is for Bulgaria and all Bulgarians, Stoychev points out.