Hyderabad: For quinquagenarian Goli Shyamala, age is just a number. At 52, she achieved the unimaginable, swimming 150 kilometers across the Bay of Bengal to reach her birthplace in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. Shyamala began her journey on 28 December from RK Beach in Visakhapatnam and reached Suryaraopet Beach in Kakinada today (January 4), spending the New Year inside the sea.
At the Suryaraopet beach this morning, speaking exclusively to ETV Bharat, Shyamala said, "The reason I undertook this journey here is to promote tourism for development of the sector. Government should encourage open water swimming and other water sports. Whatever I'm doing is for awareness, the next generation should be courageous enough to face challenges."
Shyamala's Journey From Fear To Passion
It hasn't been a smooth sail for Shyamala. After moving to Hyderabad with her husband, she pursued a course in animation and started a studio. However, owing to stiff competition and financial losses, they had to shut down the studio. It is then that she took up swimming — a decision that changed her life forever.
She joined a summer swimming camp. Initially fearful, she gradually developed a passion for the sport. Inspired by a swimmer who successfully crossed the English Channel in 2019, Shyamala sought assistance and guidance from her coach, John Siddique, expressing her desire to participate in the Olympics. While her age reportedly precluded Olympic participation, Shyamala's coach encouraged her to compete in the Masters swimming. Her hard work paid off, and she finished at sixth in her first competition after passing fitness tests. There was no looking back for Shyamala after that.
Shyamala's Milestones In Open Water Swimming
Shyamala’s achievements in open water swimming have been remarkable. In March 2021, she completed a 30km swim across the Ram Setu in just 30 hours and 40 minutes. Later that year, she braved the icy waters of Catalina Island in the US, swimming to Los Angeles in temperatures as low as 12 degrees Celsius for 19 hours.
Determined to accomplish something extraordinary on her home soil, Shyamala, after months of rigorous training and preparation, embarked on a journey from Visakhapatnam to Kakinada, swimming an eye-popping 150 kilometers.
Saturday morning, upon her arrival at Suryaraopet Beach, she received a hero’s welcome from Peddapuram MLA Nimmakayala Chinarajappa, Kakinada Commissioner Bhavana, her husband Mohan, family members, and representatives from the Red Cross and District Swimming Association. She was also felicitated by the dignitaries present at the welcome event.
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