Abu Dhabi, UAE – In a remarkable display of dedication and athleticism, Kurian Jacob, a septuagenarian swimmer, has shattered conventional notions of age and ability, emerging as a dominant force at the recent Open Masters Games in Abu Dhabi. With an impressive haul of seven medals, including a staggering five golds, Jacob’s performance is a testament to a late-blooming passion for swimming that only truly ignited at the age of 70. His journey from a childhood spent near a river to conquering international waters is an inspiring narrative of perseverance, self-improvement, and a spirited advocacy for senior athletes.
A Childhood of Water, A Mature Embrace of the Pool
The seeds of Kurian Jacob’s aquatic prowess might have been sown in his formative years. "I might have started swimming before I started walking," he muses, a twinkle in his eye, as he recounts his childhood in Thidanadu, a picturesque locale nestled between Kanjirapally and Erattupetta in Kerala. As one of ten siblings, water was a constant companion. "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," he shares. This early, perhaps unconscious, immersion in aquatic environments, he believes, may have fostered a lifelong affinity for swimming.
However, it wasn’t until much later in life that this affinity transformed into a serious pursuit. Jacob’s foray into competitive swimming was a relatively recent phenomenon. His initial forays into organized athletics were not marked by immediate success. In 2019, he participated in his first Kerala State and Inter-State Seniors Athletics championships, returning empty-handed. This initial setback, rather than deterring him, served as a potent catalyst for a profound shift in his approach.
The YouTube Coach and the Reopening of Pools: A Turning Point
The intervening two years between his first championships and his subsequent triumphs are a crucial chapter in Jacob’s remarkable journey. Faced with the closure of public pools due to prevailing circumstances, he turned to an unconventional mentor: YouTube. "I took to YouTube to hone my skills. I watched videos to learn more," he explains. This self-directed learning, fueled by an insatiable desire to improve, laid the groundwork for his future successes.
The reopening of swimming pools in 2021 marked another significant turning point. "However, in 2021, when the pools re-opened I started swimming again. That is how I got better at it," he states. This renewed access to facilities, combined with his honed technique and dedication, allowed him to translate his theoretical knowledge into tangible improvements. Today, his rigorous training regimen continues at the Yacht Club swimming pool in Kochi, where he dedicates almost two hours, six days a week, to swimming. He covers an impressive three kilometers in the 25-meter pool, a testament to his endurance and commitment.
A Cascade of Medals: From National Circuits to International Stages
The results of Jacob’s unwavering dedication have been nothing short of extraordinary. Over the past five years, he has amassed an astonishing 119 medals across a spectrum of national and international sports meets. His most recent triumphs at the Open Masters Games in Abu Dhabi are the latest jewel in this glittering crown.
His international debut was in 2023 at the European Masters Games (EMG) in Finland. Here, he showcased his formidable talent by securing five medals – three silver and two gold. This experience proved to be a watershed moment, solidifying his ambition and proving that he could compete and excel on a global stage. The momentum from Finland propelled him into further international competitions. In 2024, he participated in the Pan American Masters Games held in Cleveland, USA, where he clinched two gold medals, a silver, and a bronze. The previous year, he had also achieved significant success at the World Masters Games in Taipei, bagging nine medals at this prestigious quadrennial event. The Open Masters Games, an annual competition, has now become another platform for his consistent excellence.
Conquering the Open Waters: A Test of Grit and Resilience
One of the most celebrated victories at the Abu Dhabi Games was Jacob’s gold medal in the open waters swimming competition. This event presented a unique set of challenges that tested his physical and mental fortitude to their limits. "This was February, though they said the temperature was 21 degrees Celsius, it felt more like 18. It was a windy winter day, and the water was cold," he recalls. The 2.5-kilometer race demanded immense resilience.
"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. 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!" he exclaims, the memory still vivid. This triumph over adversity, where he persevered while other competitors faltered, underscores his exceptional mental toughness and unwavering determination.
Jacob’s recent move to the 75-79 years old category also highlights his remarkable adaptability and continued competitiveness. "I was one of the youngest participants in that group," he notes, a testament to his sustained peak performance.
A Spectrum of Strokes and a Pursuit of Perfection
At the Abu Dhabi Games, Jacob’s dominance extended across various disciplines. In addition to his open water triumph, he secured gold medals in the 800 meters, 400 meters, 200 meters freestyle, and 200 meters breaststroke. He also earned a silver in the 100 meters freestyle and a bronze in the 50 meters freestyle. The event had a participation cap of seven events per individual, a limit Jacob skillfully navigated to maximize his medal potential.
While largely self-taught, Jacob recognizes the value of expert guidance. This year, he invested in a few weeks of coaching. "I wanted one to see if my strokes were right. Also, it is difficult to find coaches for seniors," he explains, highlighting a common challenge faced by older athletes seeking specialized training.
A Plea for Recognition and Support: Addressing the "Challenge" for Senior Athletes
Despite his stellar achievements and growing international acclaim, Kurian Jacob brings attention to a significant "challenge" faced by senior athletes in India: the lack of adequate government support and incentives. "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 points out.
He contrasts the situation with states like Delhi and Punjab, which have implemented incentive schemes for medal winners at national events, including senior participants, by providing cash purses. "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 advocates.
Jacob also laments the absence of elderly athletes in the broader discourse of sports policy formulation. He passionately argues that greater investment in senior sports would not only benefit individuals but also contribute to the nation’s overall health and well-being. "It will keep seniors healthy, and the health of the nation will improve," he asserts.
Beyond the Pool: A Life of Diverse Interests and Future Aspirations
Kurian Jacob’s life is as multifaceted as his swimming prowess. After a distinguished career as a banker with Federal Bank, Standard Chartered, and the National Bank of Kuwait, he retired in 2017 and settled in Kochi. He credits his wife, Sunu, as his "manager" and an integral part of his achievements, noting that she accompanies him to his competitions.
His interests extend beyond the realm of sports. He is an avid kombucha brewer and enjoys slow cooking. He also mentors a group practicing intermittent fasting, demonstrating a holistic approach to health and wellness.
Looking ahead, Kurian Jacob shows no signs of slowing down. He has already registered for the prestigious World Masters Games scheduled to be held in Kansai, Japan, in 2027. His journey continues to inspire, proving that the pursuit of passion and the commitment to excellence know no age limit. Kurian Jacob is not just a swimmer; he is a beacon of possibility, a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, and a powerful advocate for the recognition and support of senior athletes worldwide. His story is a vivid reminder that it is never too late to dive into your dreams and emerge a champion.
