In a remarkable achievement, Elvis Ali Hazarika, an accomplished swimmer from Assam, has made history as the first Indian to successfully complete a two-way swim between Robben Island and Cape Town in South Africa. Describing the experience as “nothing short of surreal,” Elvis faced the challenges of cold, turbulent waters while sharing the ocean with a variety of marine life, including penguins, seals, dolphins, and inquisitive fish.
In a poignant Facebook post dated April 14, he reflected on the mental and physical demands of the endeavor, stating, “This was one of the most mentally and physically demanding challenges I’ve ever faced. But with every stroke, I carried the spirit of India and the pride of my homeland, Assam.” He dedicated this significant accomplishment to the people of Assam in celebration of Bihu, expressing his hope that it would inspire others to pursue their dreams and strive for the seemingly impossible.
This latest feat adds to an impressive list of records held by Elvis, which includes his solo swim across Robben Island in March 2024 and a crossing of the Gulf of Puck in the Baltic Sea in August 2024. His previous milestones feature swims from Elephanta Island to the Gateway of India, a two-way crossing of the English Channel, and successful ventures across both the North Channel and Catalina Channel. Elvis first gained recognition in 2021 when he became the first Assamese to swim 38 kilometers from Dharamtar Jetty to the Gateway of India. With a total of 68 national and 6 international gold medals, he stands as a beacon of resilience and inspiration in the world of competitive swimming.
