Lakshay Krishnakumar, 11, achieved a record for the longest open-water swim by a person with an autism spectrum condition. On April 30, Lakshay attempted to achieve the record by swimming 15 km from Neelankarai Beach to Marina Beach’s Kannagi Statue.
He swam the distance in 3 hours and 18 minutes. Lakshay has been practising with Sathish Sivakumar of Yadhavi Sports Academy for Special Needs Chennai, since she was six years old. For this event, Lakshay and his coach worked hard for 6 weeks, alternately in the open sea and in the pool.
“Despite difficulties such as sting ray bites and skin allergies, Laskhay persevered and accomplished this feat. We made certain that we obtained the necessary permission from Coast Guard Security and the Police Department prior to the event,” adds Sathish. During the swim, Lakshay was assisted by 15 staff members, who encouraged the child to attain the goal without interruptions.
Yadhavi Sports Academy for Special Needs was founded by Sathish SivaKumar, who has obtained Level 3 international certification and is a lifelong member of ASCA (the American Swimming Coaches Association). He has attended numerous programmes and workshops on the Principles of Coaching Fundamental Sports Skills of Young Athletes, and he has received numerous STA (Safety Training Awards) certifications, including the Level 2 Award in Aquatic Teaching for People with Disabilities. He also runs a vocational school for children with disabilities. For more details call 89399 09610 / 99409 22337.
