Written by Tanisha Cardozo
In an incredible display of endurance and determination, Arunima Bose, a swimmer and coach from Panaji, Goa, has successfully crossed the English Channel as part of a five-member Indian relay team named SwimLife Arrows.
The team completed the iconic 34-kilometre stretch from Dover (England) to Cap-Gris-Nez (France) in 15 hours and 58 minutes, braving freezing temperatures, strong tides, and unpredictable sea conditions.
The other members of the team included Avinash Thadani, Kiran Rajagopal, Madhur Gopal, and Yajna Somayaji. Together, the five swimmers conquered one of the world’s most demanding open water challenges, which also happens to be part of the prestigious Seven Oceans Challenge. This year’s swim also marked the 125th anniversary of the first solo English Channel swim by Captain Matthew Webb in 1875.
Arunima is more than just a swimmer. She is an Expressive Art Therapist and the lead coach at the Goa Open Water Swimming Club (GOWSC). She trains aspiring sea swimmers from across India and has helped grow a community of open water athletes.
“I’ve been swimming since I was a child,” says Arunima. “But being in Goa motivated me to explore the sea and open water challenges.” While the physical training was intense—consisting of swim drills and gym sessions—Arunima says that cold-water preparation was the real challenge. She regularly practiced ice bath immersions and strengthened her mental resilience through meditation and visualisation.
This achievement not only highlights Arunima’s personal determination but also places Goa and India on the map in the international open water swimming community.
With this milestone, Arunima Bose proves that with preparation, purpose, and passion, no ocean is too vast to conquer.
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