B’luru man oldest to swim across English Channel, credits coach

In 2017, when a 42-yearold Siddhartha Agarwal had come for a casual dip in the swimming pool in Malleshwaram, little did he know that seven years later he’d become the oldest person to swim across the English Channel. On August 29, the 49-yearold Agarwal crossed the channel despite challenging weather conditions. Speaking exclusively to News Trail, Siddharta credited his swimming coach Satish Kumar for his feat.

Back in 2017, Agarwal had come for a swim alongside his elderly parents since he could spare time as his business was well-taken care of and flourishing. However, Agarwal caught the eye of Satish, who was training the former’s parents. Satish remarked that he saw “raw technique” in Siddhartha and advised him to take up open water swimming. Agarwal figured that the venture would help boost his physical fitness and didn’t imagine he’d script history.

Covered 42 kilometres in 15 hours: Crossing 42 kilometres within 15 hours and six minutes, Agarawal recalled the harrowing conditions before he dived into what he calls “the Mount Everest of open swimming.” Agarwal started his swim at Samphire Hoe at Dover in England and reached a beach at Tissant, near Calais in France. “We were told that the wind speed which was 12 miles would be halved within a couple of hours but to our surprise, it doubled!” said Agarwal.

The Bengalurean had traversed the channel first in 2018 as part of an eight member relay. “My mind was clear: Expect the worst and try enjoying the swim and reach the other side of the channel,” he said. Agarwal was also all praise for his coach Satish Kumar. “He knew how to push you, and knew when to show empathy,” Siddharta added.

Kumar, who had also been an international swimmer, credited Agarwal’s discipline as key to his success. “I am blessed to have a student like him,” the 47-year-old Kumar said. It was Agarwal’s dedication, along with his ‘never say no’ attitude that elevated him to what he is today, the coach said. “He is too good of a student for me,” Satish added.

Take up physical activity: Agarwal Agarwal advised fellow middle- aged persons to take up some physical activity even if they had to start out slow. “I felt satisfied not because of the record, but because this (feat) could encourage people to take up physical activity. For people of my age, start small. Be it walking, running, swimming or cycling, the key thing is to start and put at least five minutes into it,” he said.