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For a long time, it was believed that running a marathon in under two hours in a real race was impossible. However, at the recent London Marathon, Sebastian Soe proved otherwise, finishing in 1:59:30. Soon after, Yomif Kejelcha also broke this barrier. The legendary limit has been overcome, but that does not mean the challenges are over.
Humanity still faces tasks that seem beyond reality. Here are the main “unconquered peaks” waiting for their heroes:
A jump beyond 9 meters
The long jump world record (8.95 m) has stood since 1991. Michael Powell came closest to the 9-meter mark, but officially this barrier has not yet been broken. This record remains one of the longest-standing in athletics.
The first swim across the Pacific Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean has already been crossed by swimming, but the largest ocean on Earth has not yet been completed in one continuous attempt. French swimmer Benoît Lecomte swam 1,500 miles in 2018 before a support boat malfunction forced him to abandon the attempt. The Pacific still awaits its conqueror.
30 minutes without breathing
In 2025, Croatian Vitomir Maričić held his breath underwater for an incredible 29 minutes and 3 seconds. Reaching the 30-minute mark seems possible, but it requires extraordinary endurance and mental control.
Legally protected peaks
Mount Gangkhar Puensum (7,570 m) in Bhutan is considered the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. It may remain so forever: since 1994, climbing peaks above 6,000 meters in Bhutan has been banned out of respect for local spiritual beliefs.
These examples show that age and stereotypes are not barriers. For instance, breath-hold record holder Budimir Šobat began practicing freediving only at the age of 48. The world is still full of opportunities for those ready to challenge themselves and make history.
ORIENT
