Fed up with sedentary lifestyle and junk food, Arunaabh Shah decided to go back to his first love – swimming while he was studying engineering. This resident of Rohini in Delhi is glad that he took this unusual yet wise decision as he recently created a record of sorts in Australia at Ultraman Triathlon, a three-day international sporting event that attracts athletes from many countries to conquer their worst fears.
“It feels really good as I have become the first Indian male to finish the Ultraman Triathlon at Ultraman Australia in Australia. Conducted in Noosa from 14th to 16th May, I completed in a time duration of 32 hours 16 minutes and 57 seconds. It was a challenge right from the first day. I have learnt a lot about my ability to overcome physical and mental challenges,” says Arunaabh.
Described as one of the toughest endurance tests, Ultraman comprises 10 km swim, 421.1 kms bike ride and 84.3 km run to be completed in less than 36 hours. Only 40 athletes from across the world are invited to participate in the multi sport event, which is also organised in Florida and Hawaii in the US. Participants who do not complete the finish line within the specified time are disqualified.
Talking about his interest in the challenging event, Arunaabh says, “I was a good swimmer while studying at Apeejay School in Pitampura. After passing Class XII, I discontinued swimming due to long hours of studies. While doing my engineering at the I. P. College, I got typhoid because of junk food eaten at a roadside eatery. After that I vowed to make a lifestyle change and started swimming again. As there was a gap of four years I started participating in marathons. It was necessary as it takes time to get back to your normal rhythm, speed and stamina.”
Swimming in the ocean is considered to be fraught with danger. “Undoubtedly, swimming in the Pacific Ocean was a daunting proposition. But I wanted to take the challenge head on as I wanted to show to the world that an Indian has guts and killer instinct to swim in the unpredictable sea water. Also I wanted to motivate our fellow countrymen that they can do it if they get right training in it. At the moment we do not allow our citizens to swim in open waters. I want those running the administration of our country to relax the rules. I also intend to popularise triathlon and biking.”
Lack of cash prevented him from buying wetsuit. “Due to financial constraints I could not buy wetsuit. It was priced at a staggering Rs.30,000. So I wore a tri-suit. After10 km swims, my trisuit caused gashes and wounds on my neck. Over the course of the next five kms it just became worse as the sea water burnt it further. As I was perspiring, every drop of sweat flowing on to my neck was so painful.
A vegetarian, Arunaabh met a good Samaritan in Australia who took care of his meals. “Narendra Kumar Sandhu of Curry Junction Café was very generous as he fed me free lunch and dinner. So I was able to get my daily intake of paneer, dal, roti.”
In biking also he faced challenges. “During the ride, my bike started facing severe mechanical issues. This led to frequent halts. Every time a hill came, I had to get off the bike and move the chain manually to a lower gear and then ride. I also crashed off the bike on one such attempt.” Before the race, he had a severe knee injury and was out of action for three months. “I asked bike companies like for sponsorship but received no replies from them. There were no sponsors and I had to bear the entire expense of about Rs.2.5 lakh.”
