When Malik Swam the Channel: A Malaysian Feat to Remember

Remember this? On 3 August 2003, (Dato') Abdul Malik Mydin made history by becoming the first Malaysian -- and first Southeast Asian -- to swim across the English Channel.



That’s right. While most of us complain when the air-cond is too strong, Malik plunged into the freezing waters off Dover, England at 2:02am local time, aiming to make it across one of the world’s most notoriously difficult open-water routes. He finally emerged in Cap Gris Nez, France, 17 hours and 42 minutes later. 

The man swam through strong currents, bone-chilling cold, and waves that would terrify even seasoned divers. All this, without a wetsuit!


Before this, Malik wasn’t even a full-time swimmer. He was a former cyclist who once competed in the Commonwealth Games. But as Malaysians often do, he switched lanes and just... went for it. Haha. 

Sure, his time was later beaten by Lennard Lee in 2004 (who completed it in under 10 hours), but Dato' Malik will always be the pioneer. The one who proved it could be done.


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Dapatkan buku 'Kisah Hidup & Budaya Pop Anak Gen-X' di SINI

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