Breakng barriers in open water swimming: Goli Shyamala's heroic 150-km swim across Bay of Bengal

By Harsh Thakor* 

At 52, Goli Shyamala, a resident of Samarlakota village in Andhra Pradesh’s Kakinada district, achieved a monumental feat by swimming 150 kilometres across the Bay of Bengal. Her journey, which began in Visakhapatnam on December 28, 2024, and concluded on the shores of Kakinada on January 4, 2025, is a landmark accomplishment in the world of Open Water Swimming.

This incredible feat, spanning five days, deserves recognition in the form of a documentary to highlight the challenges, preparation, and emotions that defined her journey. It stands as one of the most remarkable displays of human endurance by a woman.

A Late Start into Swimming

Remarkably, Shyamala’s swimming journey began only at age 40, during a time of personal and professional challenges. She and her husband were forced to close their animation studio due to financial losses, prompting her to attend a summer swimming camp.

Inspired by a swimmer who crossed the English Channel in 2019, Shyamala sought guidance from her coach, John Siddique, and expressed her desire to compete in the Olympics. Her coach encouraged her to begin with Masters swimming competitions, where she placed sixth in her first event, marking the start of her inspiring aquatic career.

Rigorous Preparation

Before embarking on this epic swim, Shyamala underwent a disciplined training regimen. Her preparation included a strict diet, a structured routine, and practices like yoga and meditation, all of which were crucial to her endurance and mental resilience.

The Nature of the Expedition

On December 28, Shyamala commenced her ambitious journey under the supervision of the Coromandel Odyssee Ocean Swimming organization. Accompanied by a 14-member crew—including medical staff and scuba divers—her team ensured her safety throughout the grueling voyage.

Battling turbulent waves, Shyamala maintained an impressive pace of 30 kilometres per day. Her journey was marked by moments of immense physical and emotional strain, mirroring the theme of self-discovery often seen in epic tales. She combined the physical strength of an athlete with the mental calm of a monk, navigating the ever-changing temperament of the sea.

Strength, Resilience, and Spirit

Shyamala’s swim showcased her extraordinary mental and physical resilience, demonstrating the triumph of spirit over body. Her accomplishment goes beyond physical endurance; it symbolizes the boundless capacity of the human spirit. Her determination inspires people from all walks of life to overcome challenges, proving that age and gender are no barriers to achieving greatness.

Previous Achievements

Shyamala is no stranger to incredible feats. In 2021, she became the second Indian woman to swim across the Palk Strait in 13 hours and 43 minutes, overcoming fierce tides and strong currents.

She also swam 38 kilometres between Kiltan Island and Kadmat Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago, completing the feat in 18 hours and 35 minutes. This made her the first Asian to achieve such a double feat in the same year.

Additionally, she conquered the freezing Catalina Channel in the United States, swimming from Catalina Island to Los Angeles in icy waters as cold as 12 degrees Celsius, taking 19 hours and 47 minutes. These accomplishments have cemented her place among India’s greatest Open Water swimmers.

Connection with Nature and Environmental Concerns

Recounting her recent swim, Shyamala shared heartfelt moments with marine life. “I came across numerous tortoises throughout my journey. They seemed curious about me, touching my feet and hands as they swam alongside. It was a wonderful feeling,” she recalled.

Harsh Thakor

However, she also encountered challenges, including jellyfish stings and a close encounter with a whale. While whales are generally friendly, the crew advised her to board the boat temporarily to ensure safety.

Shyamala expressed her concern over pollution in the sea, noting stretches where she saw carcasses of marine life and encountered chemical waste. “It was heartbreaking to see the pollution. The government needs to focus on protecting marine life,” she urged.

A True Inspiration

Shyamala’s journey is not just a testament to her physical endurance but also her love for nature and her advocacy for environmental conservation. Her achievements inspire hope, determination, and a sense of responsibility toward the planet.

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*Freelance journalist who swam the English Channel in 1988 in 15 hours