French quadruple amputee Philippe Croizon shares a tearful embrace after becoming the second person to successfully swim the Bering Strait.
On Friday he took on the frigid waters between Alaska and Russia with the help of paddle-like prosthetics to prove he could meet the challenge head on.
And he did exactly that in the hour-and-15 minute-swim of his life.
(SOUNDBITE) (French) (SOUNDBITE) (French) LIMBLESS SWIMMER PHILIPPE CROIZON SAYING:
"Just to say that nothing is impossible. We can all succeed in life despite of what happens to us. There is no difference. We are all equal."
He admitted the going was difficult, since the water was just 4 degrees Celsius and choppy, with some waves over 2 metres tall.
Heavy fog also made navigation difficult.
Croizon set off from Alaska's Little Diomede Island and made his way to Russia's maritime border, as Russia authorities would not let him swim ashore.
The handicap advocate and spokesman who lost his limbs in an electrical accident in 1994, says he plans to travel to London to be a commentator for the Paralympics.
