At 1:25 am (Beijing time), Zhang walked onto the French beach to the applause of Chinese fans, tourists and the media.

The 33.8-kilometre channel has attracted many adventure-seekers because it is one of the most difficult to cross.

The 37-year-old swimmer left Shakespeare Beach, Dover, at 1:30 pm yesterday to start his feat. He was guided in the effort by a pilot ship.

With special oil on his skin to help keep warm, Zhang Jian beat the cold currents of 16 C and swam for 12 hours.

He could only remain on the French sands for 10 minutes because he did not obtain a French visa. After a hearty but brief celebration, he boarded the pilot ship to return to Britain.

For much of the stunt, Zhang swam freestyle to save energy. But Zhang altered his style along the way because the ocean currents change every six hours and the water was so cold.

Zhang switched over to the breaststroke at about 9 pm, despite expert warnings that doing so would exhaust him faster. Later he changed back to free style.

Zhang stopped several times to take water and food passed to him from the pilot ship.

About three hours before he landed in Calais, a British guide jumped into the sea to accompany him. Such assistance is permissible under the rules.

At 67, the British swimmer was the second-oldest person to ever cross the English Channel when he did so two years ago.

Zhang kept up with the rising tide, helping him achieve his goal.

Most Chinese news Internet sites and web portals covered Zhang's exploits extensively.

Internet users posted messages about the feat as they watched the live broadcast on CCTV.

"The spirit of adventure which has long been far away from the Chinese should come back to us," said an Internet user.

"Whether he succeeds or fails, he has given us something quite valuable," said another online message.

(China Daily 07/30/2001)