Category: Swimming

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.

Video #309: 10th Self-Transcendence Triathlon 2025 | Elite Races & Young Champions at Vlasina Lake, Serbia

Posted on by Yatkara

Experience the 10th Self-Transcendence Triathlon at Vlasina Lake, Serbia, held on July 27, 2025. Elite athletes competed in World Triathlon Development Regional Cup sprint races, followed by five more races for participants of all ages, from kids to Olympic-distance triathletes.

The day began with elite sprint races, part of the World Triathlon Development Regional Cup, showcasing outstanding regional talent. Following them, athletes across all ages took on five additional races – from youth categories to the full Olympic-distance triathlon.

A total of around 200 triathletes participated, among them inspiring children, including a 6-year-old competitor!

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

News #55: Sri Chinmoy Mini Duathlon & Triathlon – Tockington Manor, August 3, 2025

Posted on by Yatkara

Over 50 spirited athletes completed their very first MultiSport adventure on Sunday, August 3, at the Sri Chinmoy “Try-a-Tri”/Swim-Bike-Run Mini Duathlon & Triathlon held at Tockington Manor. Participants showcased both enthusiasm and courage as they embraced every segment of this inclusive, fun-focused event.

A heartfelt thank you to all the participants, marshals, and volunteers whose energy and support made this day truly unforgettable!

Helpful Links:

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 #21: Celebrating 40 Years of Channel Swimming Inspired by Sri Chinmoy

Posted on by Yatkara

In 1985, Sri Chinmoy encouraged his students to take on the challenge of swimming the English Channel. Today, that inspiration has led to an extraordinary legacy:
 48 solo English Channel swims by 30 team members, 4 relay crossings, and even more achievements including Oceans Seven swims.

To honour 40 years of these remarkable accomplishments, our team is sponsoring a feature in the 2025 International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (IMSHOF) Yearbook (print and online). The piece will highlight our English Channel swimmers and IMSHOF honourees, with photos from Lake Zurich and the Peace Torch relay.

Sri Chinmoy was posthumously inducted into the IMSHOF in 2012 as an “honour administrator” for his inspirational role in the world of marathon swimming.
Vasanti will represent the team at the IMSHOF Ceremony on May 17, 2025, in Jersey, UK.

  • View the 2012 IMSHOF Ceremony Highlights
  • Read more about The Tribute from Channel Triathlon

  • Full list of solo and relay swimmers

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 #18: Sri Chinmoy 6-Hour Swimming Race in Zlín

Posted on by Yatkara

The 7th Annual Sri Chinmoy Six-Hour Swimming Race took place this past weekend, March 29-30, in Zlín, and it was a huge success! Over 200 swimmers participated in relays on Saturday, while about 50 solo swimmers took on the six-hour challenge on Sunday.

The event ran smoothly thanks to the amazing volunteers who helped with lap counting, providing refreshments, cooking, photography, preparing results, washing dishes, and cleaning. Their hard work played a key role in making everything possible.

A big thank you to everyone who contributed to the event’s success. The energy and support from all involved made it a truly memorable weekend.

For more details about the event, visit the official website.
Watch previous race highlights here.

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