English Channel

I took on the ultimate test for long-distance open water swimmers, the English Channel, and succeeded in crossing it from Dover to Calais in an impressive 12 hours, my longest swim to date. To prepare for this feat, I trained for 10 hours a day for 6 months before my crossing. Even more impressive, I had dislocated my knee just a few months before the swim, but I didn't let that stop me. Despite being advised to take a 6-month break, I was back in the pool training just 2 weeks later.

My determination paid off, as I set a world record for being the youngest swimmer to conquer the English Channel in 2006 and was presented with the Audrey Scott Award by the Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation for my accomplishment. To keep me motivated, my mother carried the Indian national flag, encouraging me to swim as a representative of India and its citizens, not just for myself. This achievement taught me the power of perseverance and resilience and inspired me to continue pushing myself to new heights.