MUMBAI: Krishna Prakash, an IPS officer and endurance athlete, recently accomplished a historic feat that not only tested his own limits but also aimed to inspire the youth to pursue open water swimming and raise drowning prevention awareness. He swam from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Caves, a distance of 16.20 kilometres, against the waves, becoming the first person in the world to do so.
Prakash, who won Ironman in 2017 and Ultraman in 2018, believes that endurance events such as these can push the mind to its maximum potential, and he did it with all his might. He is passionate about open water swimming and hopes to inspire young Indians to pursue it and aim for an Olympic medal in 10K open water swimming. Prakash is also an advocate of learning swimming and believes it saves lives. Prakash’s expedition was dedicated to “Drowning Prevention Awareness”.
Despite minimal practice, Prakash completed the daunting task in five hours and twenty-six minutes, using his mental strength and dedication to push himself to his maximum potential. He emphasized the power of the mind, which can be harnessed during such endurance events, and how open water swimming can provide a better insight into oneself. He even recites poems and shlokas to keep himself going during endurance events. He maintains his fitness by sticking to a healthy diet, including home-cooked food and cycling expeditions.
Today I completed the daunting task of swimming from Gateway of India to Elephanta caves and became the first person in the world to do so. Contrary to the popular swimming route of Elephanta caves to Gateway of India whereas swimmers ride the waves of the the high tides towards… pic.twitter.com/8IIX4O5Xho
— Krishna Prakash(IPS,ADGP) (@Krishnapips) March 26, 2023
Prakash’s achievement has not gone unnoticed, and he was felicitated by Olympian Dhananjay Mahadik at the end of the swim. His swim was organised by the National Institute of Swimming and recognised by the World Open Water Swimming Association. Prakash’s effort has been commended by swimming and water polo coach Shubhankar Thosar, who stated that swimming against the waves requires double the effort, making Prakash’s accomplishment even more remarkable.
By undertaking this challenge, Prakash aims to encourage Indian youth to seek endurance challenges like these and recognize the potential for success in open-water swimming. He wakes up at 5 AM and maintains a strict fitness routine, including cycling expeditions during the dead of the night to keep himself fit.
Krishna Prakash’s story is an inspiration to all who strive for greatness and push themselves to their limits. It teaches us to harness the power of our minds, to persevere in the face of adversity, and to dedicate ourselves to a cause greater than ourselves.