‘Eco mermaid’ sets world record for monofin swimming at 26.22 miles

Merle Liivand swam in choppy waters off Miami coast to raise awareness about importance of clean oceans

In the Little Mermaid, Ariel sings a whole song about wishing to be part of a world where people get to walk. Merle Liivand, on the other hand, wanted to do the opposite - and now holds the world record for the farthest swim as a mermaid.

Liivand swam 26.22 miles wearing a silicone monofin, in just over 11 hours in choppy waters off the coast of Miami on 7 May.