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Double the pain: What a Utah man went through to become the first to complete Seven Summits and Oceans Seven

The climbs and swims aren’t just difficult; they can be deadly.

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Rob Lea of Park City poses for a portrait on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Lea became the first person in the world to complete the "Double Seven" challenge, which involves summiting the highest peaks on each continent and swimming the seven most iconic open water channels. On June 30, over a decade and a half after starting his goal, Lea finished his record by crossing the Tsugaru Strait in Japan, only allowed a Speedo, goggles and swim cap to qualify. To survive the 12-hour swim in 60 degree water, Lea gained 20 lbs on purpose for insulation.