Niko Nestor bust

myminifactory

Niko Nestor was born in Struga on June 10th, 1934. He received an education in Ohrid and Skopje. As a very young boy, he was drawn to the beautiful water springs of the river Crni Drim from Lake Ohrid. His swimming career began early, starting in 1945-46 at the age of nine or ten as a member of the Swimming Club 'Ohridski branovi.' After courses organized by the Macedonian Swimming Committee under the Yugoslav Swimming Organization, Niko Nestor demonstrated exceptional swimming potential and won races in Split as a member of the newly established Macedonian Swimming and Water polo Team. His remarkable personality drove him to set new goals. These objectives became greater distances across Lake Ohrid: St. Stefan to Ohrid, Pestani to Ohrid, St. Naum to Ohrid. By achieving this remarkable feat, Niko Nestor's dream had become a reality. He was the first man from Eastern block countries to swim across the Channel or as described by British newspapers: "The first man behind the iron curtain to succeed in swimming the Channel." Considering that at that time the Eastern Block comprised approximately one billion people, it is easy to imagine the significance of this achievement. After crossing the Channel La Manche in 1959, Niko Nestor was hailed as a hero in his hometown, Struga. Thousands of people gathered to welcome him home, cheering: "Niko, Niko!" It was an unforgettable experience. Joyful and proud, they carried him on their arms to the Hotel 'Palace' where a press briefing had been arranged, and after that, the President of the Republic organized a reception in his honor.