(Aug 23, 2023) “Water is my battlefield,” writes Anshuman Jhingran in one of his social media posts. At 18 years 125 days, the Navi Mumbai swimmer became the youngest to cross the North Channel – a strait between Northern Ireland and Scotland that connects the Irish Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. He became the 114th swimmer and the youngest to do so since 1947.
The youngster is on a mission to become the world’s youngest swimmer to complete the Oceans Seven, considered the Grand Slam of open water swimming, comprising seven of the world’s toughest open water crossings.
Anshuman Jhingran
North Channel was Anshuman’s first swim as part of the Oceans Seven challenge. He swam for 35 kilometres in 11 hours, 28 minutes and 52 seconds finding a place in the Guinness Book of Word Records. “I set this world record on 17th July 2023 and have been super proud of it. Being able to enter my name in the Guinness Book of World Records feels like a dream come true,” the overjoyed swimmer remarks.
Turning adversity into opportunity
Anshuman has been swimming since he was five years old. As a competitive short distance swimmer, he had made rapid progress, participating at various meets across the country, and in state and national level championships winning laurels. However, open water swimming was a completely different ball game.
He had not given a thought to diving in its tough terrain until he broke his left forearm and wrist that prevented him from participating in championships for some time, even after he recuperated due to championship norms.
Being a swimming enthusiast, he was restless. Looking at this his coach Gokul Kamath suggested that he try open water swimming. “It was very new for me, but I knew my coach would support me at every step. So, I decided to give it a go,” Anshuman remarks.
Anshuman Jhingran
It was not easy
Regarded as one of the most challenging among the Ocean Seven swims, the North Channel presented an intimidating test of physical endurance and mastery due to its cold waters. There were many dangerous boneless animals in the waters like the lion’s mane jellyfish that swam freely. Also, the tides and currents made the swim tough till the very end.
But Anshuman was prepared. He had dedicated nearly a year to training, including two-hour sessions of immersing in ice baths to adapt to the conditions of open waters. Given that the North Channel’s temperature can drop to as low as 10 degrees Celsius, and lacking suitable training grounds in Mumbai, he had resorted to ice baths to get acclimatised.
Also, he successfully completed a swim across the Palk Strait channel from Sri Lanka to India as part of his preparation. He stayed in the UK for a month before the big swim just to get acquainted with the climate.
“Open water swimming is an invitation to embrace the untamed beauty of nature,” he says, adding, “Leave behind the sterile pool tiles and immerse yourself in the vastness of lakes, rivers, and oceans. It’s a chance to feel the rhythm of the waves, taste the salt in the air, and discover hidden coves that only the adventurous dare to explore.”
Anshuman Jhingran
Endurance – the winning mantra
Anshuman has won many competitions in the past like the 2018 National-level medal in the 100m Butterfly swim. In 2019, he made his mark at the SNAG (Singapore National Age Group Swimming Championships). His talent also led to his selection for the Khelo India Youth Games in 2020.
The class 12 commerce student at Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil College has trained at Fr Agnel Sport Centre, since years. Working closely with his coaches, Gokul Kamath and Rutuja Udeshi, both recipients of the prestigious Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Award, Anshuman had been dedicating at least 6 hours to training for his open water swimming challenge. Sometimes the practice hours even extended to even 12 hours on more intense training days.
At the later stage of the preparation, getting guidance from MBE Sally Minty-Gravett, a renowned coach and marathon swimmer also helped.
Anshuman Jhingran practicing the Wim Hof breathing method while ice bathing
Future ahead
The youngster’s eyes are firmly set on the next goal – to swim across another open water crossing of the Oceans Seven. “Only 22 people in the world have ever completed all seven swims, and I am determined to add my name to that illustrious list,” he shares. He is aiming for at least two swims by the end of this year.
“I did not choose swimming because I had to, but I did because I loved it. If the situation permits, I would love to take this as a full-time career,” says the young champion who finds support in the steadfast belief held by his parents, Sandeep and Kiran Jhingran in all that he does.
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