More than 5,300 swimmers hit the water in Wuhan on Sunday to mark the anniversary of the last time Chairman Mao Zedong swam in the Yangtze River, on July 16, 1966.

Swedish swimmer Kristian Axel Erik Kron won the mens race, crossing the 1,800-meter-wide river in 12 minutes 24 seconds to claim the $20,000 prize.

Zhu Jin from Wuhan won the womens event in 15 minutes 53 seconds.

Only three women completed the race this year due to a strong current, with the other competitors rescued by boats.