Pune: Prisha Tapre Sets World Record as Youngest Swimmer to Cross the English Channel at 16

Pune, 16th September 2024: Many dream of swimming across rivers, channels, and seas around the world, but few achieve the feat of setting records. Sixteen-year-old Prisha Tapre, based in London, has made history by fulfilling such a dream.

Prisha Tapre, daughter of Rahul Tapre, a businessman residing in Watford, England, and granddaughter of Vilas Tapre, owner of Vasant Talkies in Pune, has accomplished the extraordinary. At just 16, she became the youngest girl to swim across the English Channel, covering a distance of 21 miles (34 km) in 11 hours and 48 minutes. Prisha set this new world record on 4th September.

Reflecting on her achievement, Prisha shared, “I still can’t believe I swam the English Channel, but I feel amazing to have accomplished this.” She expressed her desire to break more records and inspire other girls to take up the sport.

Having participated in numerous swimming competitions, Prisha has trained herself to remain calm in the water, describing it as a form of meditation that soothes her mind.

“Swimming the English Channel was a bit scary at first. I wasn’t used to swimming in the dark, so the first two hours were challenging, but then I got the hang of it, and the water became more peaceful as I went deeper,” she explained.

Prisha plans to donate her prize money from this achievement to a social organization. The funds will be used to provide meals for underprivileged children in both India and the UK.