Siddhartha Agarwal: Oldest Indian to Conquer the English Channel

At the age of 49, Siddhartha Agarwal became the oldest Indian to swim across the English Channel, completing the 42km feat in 15 hours and six minutes on August 29. His rigorous training, guided by his coach Satish Kumar, started in 2017 and included structured, progressive swim sessions.

Siddhartha Agarwal, a Bengaluru-based swimmer, achieved a historic milestone by becoming the oldest Indian to swim across the English Channel. He completed the 42km swim in 15 hours and six minutes on August 29.

The journey began in 2018 when Agarwal first attempted the channel crossing as part of an eight-member relay team. Inspired by Srikaanth Viswanathan's solo record in the same year, Agarwal accepted the challenge presented by Satish Kumar, founder of Swim Life.

The final 10kms proved particularly gruelling due to tough conditions and high tides. Reflecting on his success, Agarwal credited his coach and rigorous training regime, which began with 3km swims and progressively increased in distance and reduced in pace, for his formidable achievement.

(With inputs from agencies.)