Indian swimming sensation Prabhat Koli has made history. The 23-year-old, who originally hails from Mumbai, has officially become the youngest person in the world to complete the Oceans Seven after swimming across Cook Strait, New Zealand, in 8 hours and 41 mins (unofficial time) on Wednesday (March 1, 2023).
The Oceans Seven challenge is considered one of the ultimate open-water swimming challenges, and only a few swimmers have completed all seven swims. The challenge requires significant physical and mental preparation and expert planning and execution to ensure safety in these challenging open water conditions. It is similar to the Seven Summits challenge in mountaineering, where climbers attempt to summit the highest peak on each continent.
The seven swims that are included in the Ocean's Seven challenge are - the English Channel (between England and France); North Channel (between Ireland and Scotland); Strait of Gibraltar (between Spain and Morocco); Catalina Channel (between Santa Catalina Island and California, USA); Molokai Channel (between Molokai and Oahu, Hawaii, USA); Tsugaru Strait (between Honshu and Hokkaido, Japan) and Cook Strait (between the North and South Islands of New Zealand).
Speaking to Indian Weekender from Wellington, an excited Koli said, "I cannot put my feelings in words after becoming the youngest person in the world to complete the Oceans Seven. The sentiment is still sinking in. The weather at the start was wonderful, but after 3-4hrs in the strait, the wind was going across at 30knts, and the waves were tossing me around. But somehow, after 8hrs and 41 mins, all the hardships were forgotten when I managed to finish on the rocks. All I remember is smiling and posing with our Indian flag.”
Koli, who gained popularity in 2018 when he became the Guinness world record holder for the youngest person to swim across the North Channel from Northern Ireland to Scotland, added, “For me, the biggest thing is that I have made India proud and that feeling can’t be put into words. I feel humbled and inspired to do more for my country. When I started swimming, I never dreamt that I would be able to complete Oceans Seven. I want to thank everyone who has supported me in this journey, whether my family, coaches, team or well-wishers. Without their support and love, this dream could have never been a reality.”
When asked about his plans, Koli said, "I plan to participate in the Ice Swimming world championship next year. (It is an annual swimming competition organised by the International Ice Swimming Association (IISA) that involves swimming in ice-cold water. The swimmers compete in water temperatures of 5°C or less, often in icy or snowy conditions. It is considered one of the toughest swimming competitions in the world due to the extreme cold and challenging conditions.) I was supposed to participate in that this year but could not attend there, and hopefully, I will participate next year. I endeavour to make India proud however I can by winning and completing as many challenges as possible.”
Koli has undoubtedly become an inspiration for young swimmers across the world and especially in India. When asked about his message to those who want to take up swimming as a profession, he says, "I would say, give your 110 per cent. Keep your focus and do your hard work. Challenges will come your way, but don't let them bother you. If I can do it, you can too."
On a parting note, Koli, also a swimming trainer, reveals, "I want to encourage as many people as possible to take up swimming as I know we can do so much for our country in the field of swimming. I keep telling my students that they should even break my record and go on to shine, and that will make me so proud.”
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