Kerala swimmer Muraleedharan to swim across English Channel

S P Muraleedharan, a famous long-distance swimmer of Kerala, is aiming to cross the English Channel, a 21-mile course between England and France, for a second time.

By Juhan Samuel

Kochi, July 5 : S P Muraleedharan, a famous long-distance swimmer of Kerala, is aiming to cross the English Channel, a 21-mile course between England and France, for a second time.

In 2003, the young swimmer failed to cross because of adverse climatic conditions and lack of sponsorship. This time, however, he is confident about achieving his goal.

"Last time, I had to discontinue my challenge because of the high tide and the sea got rough. I had a mussel stretch as I was swimming against waves. But this time, I am well prepared and hope to cross it successfully", said Muraleedharan.

If he succeeds, Muraleedharan will be the fifth Indian to swim the English Channel.

Presently, he is practicing rigorously under the guidance of Coach Anand Pardesi of Mumbai and is ready to swim the USA Catalina Channel at the end of this month.

Pardesi believes Muraleedharan possesses both ability and confidence to cross the channel successfully. Muraleedharan swims for two to five hours daily. His speed, diet and power is also being monitored.

Muraleedharan started to learn the basics of swimming at 21.

In 2001, he proved his ability by swimming 21 km on the Kavanattinkara-Puthanangadi route in Kerala. This was followed by another feat in Punnamada backwaters in 2002 by swimming continuously for 16 hours.

His major international attempt was in 2005 when he crossed 26.7 km of water in Zurich and followed it up with a 36 km swim in Mumbai.

Muraleedharan will be leaving to US this month to fulfil formalities for crossing the 22-mile Catalina Channel, which he says is similar to the English Channel.

ANI