Young Mumbai swimmer eyes English Channel

After making a mark in long distance swimming in India, a teenage swimmer from Mumbai has her eyes set on conquering the Strait of Gibraltar and English Channel.

Aakanksha Mishra, who turned 16 recently and became old enough to brave the waters of the English Channel, plans to swim the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain to Africa and back, a feat few Asian swimmers have achieved.

"The Strait of Gibraltar is considered tougher for swimmers despite being only 21-km long, since it is shark-infested and also happens to have very strong currents which makes it difficult to swim through," says Aakanksha.

And though there have not been any shark attacks on swimmers it is necessary to have adequate support staff to ensure the swimmer's safety, she adds.

"I swam 70 km from Alibaug (in Raigad district) to Mumbai last year so I am not too worried about the distance but the currents are strong and I need to prepare for them."

The teenager, who took up long distance swimming in the fifth standard, has been swimming around three to four hours daily to prepare for the challenge. In January she trained for as many hours in the waters of the Arabian Sea to prepare for the cold of the English Channel.

"I might be the youngest swimmer to cross the English Channel this year and I will be going to Dover in England in June to acclimatise myself and prepare for the swim which should be in August," she said.

Aakanksha, who is coached by Arjuna awardee Arti Pradahan, said the trip to England will also be her first time outside India which would make it more exciting.