Abu Dhabi, UAE – At an age when many consider retirement a time for quiet repose, Kurian Jacob is making waves on the international masters swimming circuit, a testament to the fact that age is merely a number when passion and dedication take the helm. The recent Open Masters Games in Abu Dhabi saw the septuagenarian swimmer clinch an impressive seven medals, a haul that included a remarkable five golds. This extraordinary achievement, however, belies a seemingly late but fervent embrace of the sport, with Jacob only beginning to take his swimming seriously at the remarkable age of 70.
"I might have started swimming before I started walking," Jacob muses, a twinkle in his eye as he reflects on his early life. Competing in the fiercely contested 75-79 years old category, his journey to the podium is a narrative woven with threads of childhood memories, digital learning, and unwavering perseverance.
From Riverbanks to Olympic Pools: A Lifelong Affinity for Water
Jacob’s deep-seated connection with water appears to be as old as his memories. Growing up in Thidanadu, a picturesque locale nestled between Kanjirapally and Erattupetta in Kerala, India, he was one of ten siblings. His childhood was filled with boisterous days spent playing in the tributary of the Meenachil River alongside his older siblings. "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 recalls, suggesting that these early aquatic adventures may have sown the seeds for his future aquatic prowess.
This innate familiarity with water, however, did not immediately translate into a competitive swimming career. For years, Jacob pursued a successful career in banking, working with esteemed institutions like Federal Bank, Standard Chartered, and Gulf Bank, before retiring from the National Bank of Kuwait in 2017 and settling in Kochi.
The Spark Ignited: From Zero to Gold in Two Years
The turning point in Jacob’s athletic journey arrived in 2019 when he participated in his first Kerala State and Inter-State Seniors Athletics championships. The experience, unfortunately, was a humbling one, as he returned empty-handed. Yet, rather than being discouraged, this initial setback served as a powerful catalyst. "I took to YouTube to hone my skills. I watched videos to learn more," he explains. The serendipitous timing of public pools being closed due to the pandemic, followed by their reopening in 2021, provided him with the opportunity to translate his newfound knowledge into tangible progress. "Public pools were closed at the time. However, in 2021, when the pools re-opened I started swimming again. That is how I got better at it," he states.
This period of intense self-study and dedicated practice bore fruit. Just two years after his initial unrewarded foray into competitive swimming, Jacob secured his first gold medal at the Inter-State Seniors meet. This victory marked the beginning of a remarkable ascent, paving the way for subsequent triumphs at numerous other competitions.
A Global Showcase of Grit: The Abu Dhabi Triumph and Beyond
The recent Open Masters Games in Abu Dhabi served as the latest dazzling chapter in Jacob’s burgeoning international career. His seven-medal haul, including five golds, in the 75-79 age bracket, underscores his exceptional form and competitive spirit. The medals secured in Abu Dhabi included golds in the 800 metres, 400 metres, 200 metres freestyle, and 200 metres breaststroke, alongside a silver in the 100 metres freestyle and a bronze in the 50 metres freestyle.
However, it was his victory in the open waters swimming competition that truly highlighted his indomitable will. Despite the challenging conditions – a chilly winter day with temperatures feeling closer to 18 degrees Celsius, coupled with strong winds – Jacob plunged into the 2.5-kilometre race. The initial shock of the cold water caused a leg cramp and he inadvertently swallowed a significant amount of saltwater. "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 recounts with a triumphant smile. This experience, where many others might have faltered, showcased Jacob’s remarkable resilience.
This triumph in Abu Dhabi was a continuation of a stellar international record. In 2023, he made his international debut at the European Masters Games (EMG) in Finland, where he secured five medals – three silver and two gold. The following year, he participated in the Pan American Masters Games in Cleveland, USA, adding two golds, a silver, and a bronze to his growing collection. Last year also saw him bag an impressive nine medals at the World Masters Games in Taipei, an event held once every four years, further solidifying his status as a formidable competitor on the global stage.
The Dedication of a Champion: Training Regimen and Continuous Improvement
Jacob’s success is not a matter of chance but the direct result of a rigorous and consistent training regimen. He trains at the Yacht Club swimming pool in Kochi, dedicating almost two hours to his practice, at least six days a week. In this 25-metre pool, he covers an impressive three kilometres during each session. This commitment to consistent effort, even at his advanced age, is a powerful motivator for aspiring athletes of all ages.
While largely self-taught, Jacob understands the value of expert guidance. This year, he invested in a few weeks of coaching to ensure his technique remained optimal. "I wanted one to see if my strokes were right. Also, it is difficult to find coaches for seniors," he explains, highlighting a potential challenge faced by senior athletes seeking specialized training.
A Call for Recognition and Support: Advocating for Senior Athletes
Beyond his personal achievements, Kurian Jacob has emerged as a vocal advocate for greater recognition and support for senior athletes in India. He points out the stark disparity in financial and logistical support available to younger athletes compared to their senior counterparts. "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 states.
Jacob champions the idea of government incentives for seniors who achieve success at international events. He cites states like Delhi and Punjab, which offer cash purses to medal winners at national events, including seniors. "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 argues, labeling this lack of support as a "main challenge."
Furthermore, he emphasizes that elderly athletes are often overlooked in the formulation of sports policies. He believes that fostering a culture of active aging through sports can significantly contribute to the overall health and well-being of the nation. "It will keep seniors healthy, and the health of the nation will improve," he asserts.
A Life Beyond the Pool: Interests and Future Aspirations
The life of Kurian Jacob extends far beyond the swimming pool. A retired banker, he now enjoys a variety of interests, including brewing kombucha and slow cooking. He also dedicates time to mentoring a group that practices intermittent fasting, showcasing a holistic approach to health and well-being.
Integral to his success is his wife, Sunu, whom he affectionately refers to as his "manager." She accompanies him to his competitions, providing unwavering support and encouragement. Her presence is a testament to the collaborative effort behind his remarkable achievements.
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. This forward-looking ambition, coupled with his current form and dedication, suggests that his remarkable journey in masters swimming is far from over. Kurian Jacob is not just winning medals; he is redefining the boundaries of what is possible in later life, inspiring a new generation of athletes, young and old, to embrace their passions with unwavering determination. His story is a powerful reminder that the pursuit of excellence knows no age limit.
