Category: Swimming

Video #338: Peace Swim 2026 Dubrovnik Anniversary

Posted on by Yatkara

In early January 2026, a group of about 30 dedicated students of Sri Chinmoy participated in a meaningful Peace Swim 2026 Dubrovnik Anniversary event. This swim honored the 40th anniversary of the very first Peace Swim, which took place in Hiroshima on January 1, 1986. That same year, the United Nations had proclaimed 1986 as the International Year of Peace. Consequently, the event carried deep historical and spiritual significance.

The Serene Setting at Sun Gardens Dubrovnik

Sri Chinmoy Peace Swim anniversary in Dubrovnik

Sun Gardens Dubrovnik offered the perfect setting for this meditative swim. It is a five-star beachfront resort in Orašac, only 11 km from Dubrovnik’s famous Old Town. The resort sits along the beautiful Adriatic coast. Guests enjoy wide views of the clear blue sea and distant Elaphiti Islands.

The grounds cover 22 hectares. They include lush Mediterranean gardens and tall pine trees. Terraced paths lead gently down to the water. This layout creates a calm, natural sanctuary.

The resort has a private pebble beach with very clear turquoise water. Participants walked straight to the shore. Gentle waves and fresh sea air added to the peaceful mood. Three outdoor pools, including a large infinity pool facing the ocean, completed the relaxing scene.

The Profound Message Behind the Peace Swim

Additionally, the swim was more than just exercise. It served as a living tribute to Sri Chinmoy’s vision of peace. Specifically, he taught that true peace begins within each individual and then radiates outward to the world. Therefore, by swimming together in silence and dedication, participants offered their efforts as prayers for global harmony and the end of conflict.

The video captures this essence beautifully. In particular, it includes a fascinating interview with Adhiratha, a long-time student of Sri Chinmoy and accomplished open-water swimmer. Furthermore, Adhiratha shares profound insights on the swim’s deeper message. He discusses its historical ties to the United Nations, as well as Sri Chinmoy’s enduring vision for peace through self-transcendence, inner harmony, and human oneness.

A Legacy of Peace Through Action

Over the years, Sri Chinmoy inspired countless initiatives like this. For example, starting in 1986 during the UN’s Year of Peace, swims were held in various locations worldwide. Since then, the tradition has continued through events such as English Channel crossings, Manhattan island circumnavigations, and lake swims—all dedicated to peace themes.

In addition, Adhiratha’s own journey reflects this legacy. As one of the early swimmers for the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, he crossed the English Channel in 1985 and participated in multiple peace swims. Thus, his interview adds personal depth, showing how these physical challenges foster spiritual growth and contribute to world peace.

Continuing the Tradition of Oneness

Ultimately, events like the Peace Swim 2026 Dubrovnik Anniversary remind us that peace is an active pursuit. By participating, individuals transcend personal limitations while aspiring for collective harmony. In this way, Sri Chinmoy’s philosophy lives on vibrantly through these symbolic acts.

Previous related events and competitions:

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For more information about sports events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

News #103: Sri Chinmoy National Capital Swim 2025 – Canberra 10 km Challenge

Posted on by Yatkara

Sri Chinmoy National Capital Swim 2025 - Canberra 10 km Challenge

On 30 November 2025, the Sri Chinmoy National Capital Swim brought swimmers from across Australia together for a full 10 km crossing of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra. The race tests endurance, spirit, and heart. 

Weather, Water & Waves

At dawn, the lake surface was like glass — calm and inviting. Yet by afternoon, the wind rose sharply, capsizing kayaks and stirring rain showers across the finish area. The change made the swim far tougher than anyone expected. 

Still, many persevered. The early calm and sudden challenge made every stroke — from first to last — a test of resolve and resilience.

Standout Performances

  • Michael Pranckl completed the 10 km in 2:39:19, the fastest solo time — 11 minutes ahead of the next solo finisher — and won the M50–59 category. 

  • Veteran swimmer Murray Chapman (M60–69) finished in 2:51:07, marking one of the oldest high-ranking solo finishes in the event. 

  • On the women’s side, Louisa Jeffery surged ahead to finish in 2:54:54, claiming the top spot among female solo swimmers. 

Team relays also saw strong performance: the all-female squad Bronte Babes clocked 2:32:20, earning top position among female relay teams. Mixed-gender and all-male relay divisions also saw tight finishes and spirited effort. 

Every swimmer who started the race — from seasoned veterans to first-timers — showed dedication; many battled wind, waves, and fatigue to reach the finish.

More Than a Race — A Community Celebration

The Sri Chinmoy Swim is not just a competition — it’s a gathering of water-lovers, nature-lovers, and supporters. Safety crews in kayaks, volunteer paddlers, organizers, and cheering friends helped each swimmer in their journey. Their efforts ensured that even under unpredictable weather, the event remained safe, supportive, and full of goodwill.

As the wind whipped and rain threatened, supportive cheers from paddlers and helpers made a difference. The collective spirit kept the race alive — reminding everyone that beyond timing and trophies, the community matters.

Results, Photos & Past Races

Why This Swim Inspires

Whether you’re an open-water veteran or just curious, this swim shows how determination + community support + nature’s unpredictability = a meaningful race. It proves success isn’t just speed — it’s courage, heart, and the willingness to finish what you start. After all, the lake doesn’t care about times. But the swimmers? They care. And their stories — of effort, joy, challenge, and camaraderie — are what make the Sri Chinmoy Swim more than a race.

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For more information about sports events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

Video #330: Sri Chinmoy “News Report” – with a Smile

Posted on by Yatkara

This playful “News Report” takes you through some remarkable moments with the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team (SCMT) – celebrating extraordinary endurance, global heart, and good-humoured community spirit.

Triathlon in Canberra: Not Your Average Swim

At 5:30 AM, athletes in Canberra, Australia, dove into the Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon, a 150 km off-road extravaganza. Picture this: three full triathlons back-to-back, swimming in three different lakes, biking up and down ten peaks, and running all over the city. Solo competitors and teams competed, all sharing one goal – pushing their boundaries, then doing it again. The “Stuffed Puffs” won top honors, while the “Diggers” came in second – and yes, they joked that Australia’s dangerous wildlife couldn’t catch them.

Sri Chinmoy News Report - Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon in Canberra, Australia

Vasanti Niemz and the Iconic Manhattan Swim

Meanwhile, Vasanti Niemz of Germany took on the legendary 20 Bridges Challenge – a 48.5 km swim around Manhattan Island. She navigated three tidal rivers – the East, Harlem, and Hudson – in conditions that most would call “completely crazy.” Despite it all, she completed the swim in 9 hours 34 minutes. She cheerfully suggested that 27 bridges would be more meaningful than 20, and even pressed New York’s mayor to build a few more.

Sri Chinmoy News Report - Vasanti Niemz 48.5 km swim around Manhattan Island - 9 hours 34 minutes

Shamita Runs Across Europe, London Goes 24-Hour

On the running side, Shamita Achenbach-König, a musician from Vienna, ran 2,000 km from Vienna to Oslo, crossing several countries for friendship and harmony. Back in the UK, SCMT’s 24-hour race in London brought runners together for a full weekend – laps, laughter, and the shared joy of endurance.

Sri Chinmoy News Report - Shamita runs across Europe 2000 km, Vienna - Oslo

And in other cities – Munich, Salzburg, San Diego – 6-hour races added to the global mix. In San Diego, the race got a surprise visitor: a large rattlesnake allegedly finished (at 5.2 mi) and helped itself to 80% of the race snacks. (Yes, that part’s playful.)

Sri Chinmoy News Report - Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race - Amstelveen, Netherlands

Why This Report Connects with Everyone

This “News Report” works because it makes extraordinary feats feel familiar. By pairing real SCMT achievements with playful commentary, it invites a wide audience — not just ultrarunners – to marvel at what people can do when they combine heart, discipline, and a little humour.

Whether you’re inspired by long-distance triathlons, open-water swims, or cross-continental runs, this video shows that the Sri Chinmoy community is about more than athleticism. It’s about connection, self-transcendence, and uplifting one another – values that resonate far beyond any finish line.

Learn More About These Incredible Stories

If you’re curious to explore more about the events mentioned:

Featured News

  • News #61: Vasanti Niemz Completes 20 Bridges Swim Around Manhattan – Read more
  • News #66: The 18th Annual Self-Transcendence 4/21 km Race – Erdenet, Mongolia, September 13, 2025 – Read more
  • News #67: The 12th Annual Sri Chinmoy Peace-Mile 6-Hour Race – Munich, Germany, September 13, 2025 – Read more
  • News #71: Self-Transcendence 24-Hour Track Race – London, United Kingdom – Read more
  • News #73: Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race – Amstelveen, Netherlands – Read more
  • News #92: Inspiring Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Race in San Diego 2025 – Read more
  • News #93: Sri Chinmoy Triple-Triathlon in Canberra – A Day of Endurance, Teamwork and Inspiration – Read more

Featured Videos

  • Video #314: Shamita Achenbach-König’s Solo Run – Vienna to Oslo – A cross-continental journey for harmony – Watch video
  • Video #316: Swimming 20 Bridges Around Manhattan for Peace – Vasanti Sets Record – An aquatic odyssey around New York City – Watch video

More Information

To explore upcoming Sri Chinmoy races: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy: www.srichinmoy.org.

 

Video #316: Swimming 20 Bridges Around Manhattan for Peace – Vasanti Sets Record

Posted on by Yatkara

On September 12, 2025, Peace Run team member Vasanti Niemz (68) from Germany completed the iconic 20 Bridges open-water swim around Manhattan Island, dedicating it to Peace, in honour of the United Nations’ 80th Anniversary, the 55th year of Sri Chinmoy’s Peace Meditations at the UN, and the upcoming International Day of Peace.

Vasanti became the oldest woman ever to finish this swim, completing 48.5 km in 9 hours 34 minutes (current-assisted). The Peace Torch was lit at Pier A at both the start and finish, and carried on the escort boat by her crew, Pipasa and Jamini. The event was organized by New York Open Water (NYOW), which provided safety support – pilot, observer, and kayaker.

For Vasanti, the Manhattan swim was a lifelong dream. With separate group starts now by speed and carefully timed with tidal currents, it became possible even for slower swimmers. This year’s swim also marked her 40th anniversary of her first English Channel crossing (Sept. 9, 1985) – a very special combination of personal history and global tribute.

Having now completed two of the three components of the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming, she plans to attempt the Catalina Channel in August 2026, aiming for another age record.

Because the higher gears on her bike malfunctioned the next day, she wasn’t able to complete her intended Peace Triathlon (swim + 50 km bike + 5 mi run). Instead, after relighting the Peace Torch at Pier A, she did a leisurely 20-mile sightseeing bike loop along the Hudson and East River Greenway, with detours, dead ends, and a visit past the UN Headquarters. It made for a peaceful recovery ride.

More Information:

News #61: Vasanti Niemz Completes 20 Bridges Swim Around Manhattan in Honor of UN’s 80th Anniversary

Posted on by Yatkara

On September 12, 2025, Vasanti Niemz, 68, of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, undertook the legendary 28.5-mile 20 Bridges Swim around Manhattan, a remarkable journey celebrating 40 years of the SCMT Channel and Marathon Swimming, the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations and its Culture of Peace Program, and 55 years of Peace Meditation at the UN.

Supported by crew members Jamini and Pipasa, and with the Peace Torch on board, Vasanti set out from Pier A, completing the circumnavigation in a stunning 9 hours, 34 minutes, and 7 seconds — several hours ahead of her projected finish time. Her kayak pilot remarked that in all her years of experience, she had never seen such calm conditions under the George Washington Bridge. Throughout the swim, Vasanti dedicated her effort to peace, the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run, and the spirit of harmony that unites us all.

The next day, Vasanti biked a 20-mile loop around Lower Manhattan and carried the Peace Torch symbolically from the finish of the 20 Bridges swim at Pier A to the United Nations and back. 

Her inspiring journey also points to the upcoming “7 Minutes of Peace” Meditation on Sunday, September 21, at 9:00 a.m. EST, inviting people worldwide to join in a shared moment of reflection and unity.

This extraordinary swim stands as a testament to Vasanti’s endurance, dedication, and heartfelt commitment to peace. 
See also her longer report on: https://www.peacerun.org/us/news/2025/0912/5606/

For more information about races, visit the official website: www.srichinmoyraces.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.