
📍 Swim Overview – Hintertuxer Glacier
At 3,200m above sea level, Mariam swam 85 meters in –0.4°C water in the Hintertuxer Glacier. The high-altitude, freezing swim was done without a wetsuit, making it a rare and extreme feat. Her achievement marked a historic first for the Arab world in the field of ice swimming.
Ice-Glacier Swim Austria
Mariam Bin Laden Makes History with Ice-Glacier Swim in Austria
First Arab to Complete an Extreme Swim at –0.4°C in the Hintertuxer Glacier
Pushing the Limits of Human Endurance
In a landmark achievement, Dr. Mariam Bin Laden, a Saudi dentist and humanitarian, has become the first Arab to complete an ice swim in the frigid waters of Hintertuxer Glacier in the Austrian Tyrol. The swim took place at an altitude of 3,200 meters above sea level, with water temperatures dropping to –0.4°C, marking one of the most extreme swims ever undertaken.
An 85-Meter Swim Through Ice-Cold Waters
Braving 85 meters of glacial water, Dr. Bin Laden defied both the physical and mental challenges posed by such an environment. Ice swimming at high altitudes presents serious risks, including hypothermia and reduced oxygen levels, demanding exceptional preparation and mental focus.
A First for the Arab World
With this achievement, Mariam Bin Laden becomes the first Arab—man or woman—to complete an ice swim under such extreme conditions. Her success marks a milestone in Arab sports history and serves as an inspiration for future generations of athletes.
Championing Courage and Representation
Dr. Bin Laden is no stranger to difficult missions, having previously completed long-distance swims to raise awareness for global humanitarian causes. Her ice swim adds a new chapter to her legacy, showcasing the strength and determination of Arab women in high-performance sports.
A Message of Empowerment
Mariam Bin Laden’s historic swim sends a powerful message of resilience and empowerment. It’s a reminder that with passion and perseverance, even the most daunting challenges—be it ice, altitude, or doubt—can be conquered.




“I’m blessed, I pushed the bar. I’m the first Arab to complete an ice swim temperature (-0.4°c) in Hintertuxer Glacier in the Austrian Tyrol, 3200m above sea level for a distance of 85m. Anything is possible”.
~ Mariam Saleh Binladen