In the world of open water swimming, where time and distance often serve as the only measure of success, Alex Kostich has set a new standard. On August 3, the 56-year-old longtime competitor completed the Vikingsholm course on Lake Tahoe in a stunning 3:48:51. This record, pending official ratification, now stands as the fastest known time for the 10.6-mile swim, according to SwimSwam.
Kostich's achievement marks a significant leap from the prior record. That record was set by Jorge Angel on the same day in 2020. Kostich outpaced Angel's time by an impressive 31 minutes and 41 seconds. The Vikingsholm course is known for its technical difficulty. It features a scenic finish at Emerald Bay near the historic Nordic Vikingsholm castle. The course is considered more complex than the other two parts of the Lake Tahoe Triple Crown. Compared to the 12-mile True Width crossing, Kostich conquered last year in 4:28:55. He described the Vikingsholm swim as more of a 'sprint.'
A Record-Breaking Performance
Kostich's successful swim was supervised by Kathryn Filley. She is a representative of the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association. She was guided by Sylvia Lacock. Lacock is a respected figure in the open water swimming community. Accompanied by a dedicated support crew. The crew included Suzanne Heim Bowen and Michael Flaherty. The attempt reflected months of planning. It also reflected rigorous training and a deep understanding of the conditions required to break a record.
National Team member. Known for his relentless competitive spirit, Kostich has long balanced his passion for swimming with other professional pursuits, proving his dedication to the sport has never wavered.
Today, Kostich works as vice president of creative marketing and strategy at AMC. He has been instrumental in the success of shows such as 'Breaking Bad,' 'Mad Men,' and 'The Walking Dead.' Despite his busy career, Kostich maintains an early-morning routine. He wakes at 4 a.m. to complete his rigorous swim training. As part of his preparation for the Vikingsholm, he focused on long 10-kilometer swims in Long Beach, California. He also maintained a strict regimen of 8,000-meter pool workouts to build endurance.
Strategic Preparation and Execution
For the Vikingsholm attempt, Kostich meticulously planned his strategy. He based it around a pace of 1:20.3 per 100 meters. He aimed for a stroke rate of 71 to 74 strokes per minute. His calculations were informed by favorable environmental conditions. This included a water temperature of 69 degrees Fahrenheit. It was five degrees warmer than his 2025 attempt. To combat the cold, he intentionally added seven pounds to his body. This was a form of insulation. He even included a pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream in his diet. He did this to help with thermal regulation.
The swim began at 4:45 a.m. from the boat ramp, with Kostich maintaining his target pace for the majority of the course. He encountered a brief stretch of choppy water in the middle of the lake, but remained focused and consistent in his one-mile splits. Despite the rough conditions, Kostich managed to maintain nearly a minute faster per mile than his previous year’s performance. He finished the race at 3:48:51, beating his own expectations by over 11 minutes. 'The elements definitely aligned for me,' he said, expressing his surprise at the time and acknowledging the role of favorable conditions.
Kostich still has one major challenge remaining to complete the Lake Tahoe Triple Crown—the 21.3-mile swim across the length of the lake, which he described as 'by far the most challenging.' When questioned about his intentions to attempt it, Kostich was cautious in his response, saying, 'It’s in the back of my head. I’m thinking about it.' His hesitation reflects the enormous physical and mental demands of this final course, which remains the ultimate test for open water swimmers.
Looking Ahead and Reflecting on Success
For now, Kostich is focused on celebrating his latest achievement. Breaking a record like this is more than just a personal milestone—it’s a testament to his years of training, his commitment to the sport, and his ability to perform at a high level well into his later years. As he looks ahead, the Lake Tahoe Triple Crown remains a powerful lure. Completing it would not only cement his place in open water history but also serve as a new chapter in the journey of a man who continues to redefine what is possible in the sport he loves.
Kostich's story is one of perseverance, preparation, and a deep-rooted passion for swimming. From his days in the pool at Stanford to his current exploits in Lake Tahoe, he has shown that age is no barrier to achieving the extraordinary. While the 21.3-mile course remains a distant goal, for now, Kostich is basking in the moment, knowing he has once again proven his capabilities in one of the most demanding environments in the world of open water.
His journey is far from over. Each record is just a stepping stone toward the next challenge, and with Kostich’s history of pushing boundaries, it’s clear that the future holds more opportunities for him to test his limits and inspire others. Whether or not he decides to complete the Triple Crown, Kostich’s legacy as an open water swimmer continues to grow with every stroke he takes.