Abu Dhabi, UAE – In a remarkable display of athletic prowess and the indomitable spirit of perseverance, 70-year-old Kurian Jacob has emerged as a standout performer at the recent Open Masters Games held in Abu Dhabi. With an astonishing haul of seven medals, including an impressive five golds, Jacob’s achievements defy conventional notions of age and athletic potential. His journey to the top of the swimming podium, particularly at an age when many consider retirement from strenuous physical activity, is a compelling narrative of passion, self-improvement, and an unyielding commitment to excellence.
Jacob, who competed in the highly competitive 75-79 years old age category, shared a poignant reflection on his early life, suggesting a lifelong, albeit latent, connection with water. “I might have started swimming before I started walking,” he mused, hinting at a childhood spent in and around the tributaries of the Meenachil River in his native Thidanadu, Kerala. Growing up as one of ten siblings, he recalls frequent dips and playful escapades with his older siblings in the local waterways, a seemingly idyllic upbringing that may have subconsciously nurtured his aquatic aptitude.
A Journey of Transformation: From Unfulfilled Aspirations to Sporting Glory
The path to Jacob’s current success, however, was not an immediate one. His initial foray into competitive sports in 2019, at the Kerala State and Inter-State Seniors Athletics championships, yielded no medals. This early setback, rather than discouraging him, served as a potent catalyst for change. The intervening two years witnessed a profound personal transformation, driven by an unwavering resolve to excel.
“I took to YouTube to hone my skills. I watched videos to learn more,” Jacob explained, highlighting his innovative approach to self-coaching during a period when public swimming pools were inaccessible due to pandemic-related closures. It was only in 2021, with the re-opening of these facilities, that he could translate his digital learning into practical application. His dedication paid dividends, and he secured his first gold medal at the Inter-State Seniors meet shortly thereafter. This victory marked the beginning of an upward trajectory, a prelude to the numerous triumphs that would follow.
A Rigorous Regimen: The Foundation of Success
Today, Jacob’s commitment to swimming remains as steadfast as ever. He trains diligently at the Yacht Club swimming pool in Kochi, dedicating almost two hours each day, six days a week, to his rigorous regimen. Covering an impressive three kilometers within the confines of a 25-meter pool, his training is a testament to his discipline and endurance. This consistent effort has culminated in an extraordinary collection of 119 medals accumulated over the past five years, a remarkable feat that underscores his dedication to national and international competitions.
International Acclaim: Charting a Global Course
The Open Masters Games in Abu Dhabi represent the latest chapter in Jacob’s burgeoning international career. His debut on the global stage was at the European Masters Games (EMG) in Finland in 2023, where he impressed by securing five medals – three silver and two gold. This early international success ignited a fervent desire to compete on an even grander scale.
His momentum continued into 2024 with a stellar performance at the Pan American Masters Games in Cleveland, USA, where he clinched two gold medals, a silver, and a bronze. Last year also saw him achieve remarkable success at the prestigious World Masters Games in Taipei, an event held quadrennially, where he amassed a remarkable nine medals. The Open Masters Games, an annual event, now serves as a regular fixture in his competitive calendar.
Overcoming Adversity: The Open Waters Triumph
Among his most recent accolades from Abu Dhabi, the gold medal in the open waters swimming competition stands out as a particularly poignant victory. Describing the challenging conditions, Jacob recounted, “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. We had to swim 2.5 kilometres. 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!” This triumph over physical discomfort and self-doubt is a powerful illustration of his mental fortitude and competitive spirit.
Having recently transitioned to the 75-79 years old category, Jacob found himself among the younger participants, a testament to his sustained physical and mental sharpness. His Abu Dhabi medal haul also includes golds in the 800m, 400m, 200m freestyle, and 200m breaststroke events. He also secured a silver in the 100m freestyle and a bronze in the 50m freestyle, navigating the seven-event participation cap imposed at the Games.
While largely self-taught, Jacob recognized the value of expert guidance and recently engaged a swimming coach for a brief period. “I wanted one to see if my strokes were right. Also, it is difficult to find coaches for seniors,” he explained, highlighting a practical challenge faced by older athletes.
A Plea for Recognition and Support: Addressing Systemic Gaps
Beyond his personal achievements, Kurian Jacob has become a vocal advocate for greater recognition and support for senior athletes. He passionately argues for government incentives and aid for older individuals who bring honor to the nation through their international achievements.
“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,” Jacob stated, drawing a stark contrast. He pointed to progressive initiatives in states like Delhi and Punjab, which offer cash prizes 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 emphasized, identifying this lack of support as a significant "challenge."
Jacob further highlighted the oversight of elderly athletes in sports policy formulation. He believes that greater investment in senior sports would not only contribute to the health and well-being of older citizens but also have a positive impact on the overall health of the nation.
A Life Beyond the Pool: A Supportive Network and Diverse Interests
Jacob’s life outside the swimming pool is as multifaceted as his athletic pursuits. A retired banker, having served with Federal Bank, Standard Chartered, and Gulf Bank before concluding his career at the National Bank of Kuwait, he settled in Kochi in 2017. His wife, Sunu, plays an indispensable role in his success, acting as his personal "manager" and accompanying him to competitions.
His interests extend to the art of kombucha brewing and slow cooking. He also dedicates time to mentoring a group focused on intermittent fasting, showcasing a holistic approach to health and well-being.
As Kurian Jacob continues to defy age and expectations, his sights are firmly set on future challenges. He has already registered for the prestigious World Masters Games scheduled to be held in Kansai, Japan, in 2027, signaling that his remarkable journey in the world of competitive swimming is far from over. His story serves as an inspiring testament to the fact that age is merely a number when passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence are at play.
