Abu Dhabi, UAE – In a testament to the enduring power of human spirit and the surprising late bloom of athletic prowess, Kurian Jacob, a sprightly 70-year-old, has made waves at the recent Open Masters Games in Abu Dhabi, clinching an impressive seven medals, including a remarkable five golds. His extraordinary achievement defies conventional notions of age and athletic pursuit, proving that it is never too late to dive into a passion and excel. Jacob, who competed in the fiercely contested 75-79 years old category, harbours a deep-seated connection with water, suggesting his affinity for swimming might predate his very first steps.
A Childhood Kissed by the River and a Late Awakening
Jacob’s early life in Thidanadu, a picturesque locale nestled between Kanjirapally and Erattupetta in Kerala, India, was steeped in the natural rhythm of the Meenachil River. "I might have started swimming before I started walking," he muses, painting a vivid picture of his childhood. "I was one of 10 children, and I might have been in water a lot, playing in the tributary of the Meenachil River with my older siblings." This idyllic immersion in aquatic environments, he believes, may have laid the subconscious groundwork for his eventual dedication to swimming.
However, the serious pursuit of competitive swimming did not commence until much later. Jacob’s initial foray into organized athletics was in 2019 at the Kerala State and Inter-State Seniors Athletics championships. This first outing, however, yielded no medals. Undeterred, Jacob embarked on a two-year journey of dedicated self-improvement that would dramatically alter his competitive trajectory.
The Digital Coach and the Resurgence of the Pools
The intervening period between his initial disappointment and subsequent triumphs was marked by a profound commitment to honing his skills. With public pools closed due to prevailing circumstances, Jacob turned to the vast digital library of YouTube. "I took to YouTube to hone my skills. I watched videos to learn more," he explains. This period of self-directed learning, fuelled by an insatiable desire to improve, proved to be a pivotal phase in his development.
The reopening of public pools in 2021 marked a significant turning point. Jacob enthusiastically returned to the water, his newly acquired knowledge from online tutorials now being put into practice. "That is how I got better at it," he states, a hint of pride in his voice. His dedication remains unwavering; even today, he dedicates almost two hours to training, at least six days a week, at the Yacht Club swimming pool in Kochi. He meticulously covers three kilometres in the 25-metre pool, a testament to his rigorous training regimen.
A Cascade of Medals: From National to International Acclaim
The results of his relentless pursuit of excellence are staggering. Over the past five years, Kurian Jacob has amassed an astonishing 119 medals across a multitude of national and international sports meets. His recent triumph at the Open Masters Games in Abu Dhabi is the latest jewel in this impressive collection.
His international debut was at the European Masters Games (EMG) in Finland in 2023, where he immediately made his mark, securing five medals: three silver and two gold. This successful foray onto the global stage ignited a fire, and there has been "no looking back for him since then."
In 2024, Jacob continued his international dominance, participating in the Pan American Masters Games held in Cleveland, USA. Here, he bagged two gold medals, a silver, and a bronze. The previous year also saw him shine at the prestigious World Masters Games in Taipei, an event held once every four years, where he secured nine medals. The Open Masters Games, in contrast, is an annual event.
Conquering the Cold: An Open Water Triumph Against the Odds
Perhaps one of Jacob’s most remarkable achievements at the Abu Dhabi games was his victory in the open waters swimming competition. This gruelling event, held in February, presented a formidable challenge. Despite the official temperature being recorded at 21 degrees Celsius, Jacob recalls the water feeling significantly colder, closer to 18 degrees, exacerbated by a windy winter day. The 2.5-kilometre swim tested his limits to the extreme.
"The minute I went into the water, the cold hit me, my leg cramped, and I drank quite a bit of the salt water too," he recounts, his voice steady as he recounts the ordeal. "I thought I would ask for a rescue because I did not think I could finish it. But I did, and won the gold too!" This anecdote perfectly encapsulates his indomitable spirit and his ability to persevere when others might falter. Notably, he has now graduated to the 75-79 years old category, and at Abu Dhabi, he was "one of the youngest participants in that group."
A Diverse Medal Haul and a Quest for Refinement
The Open Masters Games in Abu Dhabi saw Jacob dominate across various disciplines. He secured gold medals in the 800 metres, 400 metres, 200 metres freestyle, and the 200 metres breaststroke. His versatility was further demonstrated by a silver medal in the 100 metres freestyle and a bronze in the 50 metres freestyle. The event had a cap of seven events per participant, a limit Jacob expertly navigated to maximize his medal count.
While his self-taught approach has yielded incredible success, Jacob recently sought professional guidance. "I hired a swimming coach for a couple of weeks," he reveals. "I wanted one to see if my strokes were right. Also, it is difficult to find coaches for seniors." This proactive approach to refining his technique highlights his commitment to continuous improvement, even at this advanced stage of his athletic journey.
The Unmet Need: Advocating for Senior Athlete Support
Beyond his personal triumphs, Kurian Jacob is a passionate advocate for greater recognition and support for senior athletes. He makes a compelling case for government incentives and aid for seniors returning with medals from international events. "Seniors bear all the costs if they want to participate in international events, unlike younger sportspeople who would get some sponsorships or support from the government," he observes.
He points to states like Delhi and Punjab as positive examples, where cash prizes are awarded to medal winners at national events, including senior participants. "I am not asking for expenses to be borne, but some appreciation or acknowledgement goes a long way, at least for the medal winners," he states, identifying this lack of support as a "main challenge."
Jacob further argues that elderly athletes are often overlooked in sports policy formulation. He passionately believes that encouraging participation in sports among seniors would not only keep them healthy but also contribute to the overall health of the nation.
A Life Beyond the Pool: A Supportive Family and Future Aspirations
Kurian Jacob’s journey is also deeply intertwined with the unwavering support of his wife, Sunu. A former banker, Jacob retired from the National Bank of Kuwait in 2017 and settled in Kochi. He fondly refers to his wife as his "manager," acknowledging her integral role in his achievements. Sunu accompanies him to his competitions, providing a constant source of encouragement.
His interests extend beyond the swimming pool. Jacob is an avid kombucha brewer and enjoys slow cooking. He also dedicates time to mentoring a group that practices intermittent fasting, further underscoring his holistic approach to well-being.
And for those who might assume he’s ready to rest on his considerable laurels, think again. Kurian Jacob has already registered for the World Masters Games scheduled to be held in Kansai, Japan, in 2027, signalling his continued ambition and an enduring passion for the sport that has brought him so much joy and success. His story is a powerful reminder that age is merely a number when the spirit is willing and the dedication is absolute.
