Bhakti Sharma-Indian Swimmer

Bhakti Sharma: Record-Breaking Open Water Swimmer

Bhakti Sharma is a pioneering Indian open water swimmer whose extraordinary achievements have placed her among the most celebrated athletes in the world. Born on November 30, 1989, in Mumbai and raised in Udaipur, Rajasthan, Bhakti began swimming at just 2.5 years old under the guidance of her mother, Leena Sharma. Her groundbreaking accomplishment as the first Asian woman and youngest in the world to swim in the icy Antarctic waters, covering 2.25 km in 41.14 minutes, showcases her unparalleled determination and endurance.

In addition to conquering the Antarctic, Bhakti has successfully swum across all five oceans and eight other seas, cementing her legacy as a global trailblazer in open water swimming. Her inspiring journey goes beyond records, as she actively shares her experiences as a motivational speaker on national and international platforms, encouraging others to dream big and achieve their goals. Bhakti Sharma’s dedication and resilience continue to inspire countless athletes and fans worldwide.

Bhakti Sharma: Record-Breaking Open Water Swimmer

• Full Name: Bhakti Sharma
• Birth: 30 November 1989, Mumbai, India
• Raised In: Udaipur, Rajasthan

Key Achievements:

• First Asian Woman and Youngest in the World to swim in Antarctic waters, covering 2.25 km in 41.14 minutes at 1°C on January 10, 2015.
• Swum in all five oceans and across eight other seas and channels.
• Awarded the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award in 2010.

Early Life:

• Began swimming at the age of 2.5 years, coached by her mother, Leena Sharma.
• Holds a Master’s in Communications Management from Symbiosis, Bengaluru, and a Bachelor’s in Commerce from Mohan Lal Sukhadia University, Udaipur.

Swimming Career:

• First open water swim: 16 km from Uran Port to Gateway of India in 2003 at age 14.
• Holds a world record with her mother as the first mother-daughter duo to swim across the English Channel (2008).
• Third person in the world to swim in the Arctic Ocean, achieving this in 2010.
• Completed numerous major swims:
  • 2006: Crossed the English Channel in 13 hours, 55 minutes.
  • 2007: Swam the Strait of Gibraltar in 5 hours, 13 minutes and participated in the U.S. Open Water Championships and Lake Zurich Swim.
  • 2008: Set an Indian record with a 72 km swim from Dharamtal to Gateway of India and back.

Recent Record:

• Antarctica Swim: Youngest to swim in Antarctic waters, breaking records of Lewis Pugh (UK) and Lynne Cox (USA), sponsored by Hindustan Zinc Limited.

Public Speaking:

• Bhakti Sharma is an accomplished speaker, sharing her inspiring experiences at national and international platforms.

Sharma’s achievements have cemented her legacy as a trailblazer in open water swimming and an inspiration for athletes worldwide.