64 and unstoppable: Granny who swam into Kenya's history books, outpacing her grandson
Sally Njeri Ndiri during the ‘Ultimate Endurance Swimming Challenge,’ at the Nakuru Athletics Club on November 2, 2024, where she swam seven kilometres for six hours non-stop.
What you need to know:
- Defying age stereotypes and skeptics, 64-year-old Sally Njeri made history, completeing a grueling six-hour, seven-kilometre continuous swim.
- She outlasted even her 21-year-old grandson who attempted to keep pace.
- The grandmother, a lifeguard and swimming coach with over four decades of experience, undertook this unprecedented challenge not just to break records but to raise awareness for water safety and support swimming programs for children with autism.
At 64, Sally Njeri's muscles screamed in protest as she pushed through the cold water, stroke after determined stroke. Her thin swimsuit offered little protection against the cold, but her resolve burned bright. This wasn't just about setting a record – it was about proving that age is merely a number, and determination knows no bounds.
On November 2, 2024, Njeri accomplished what no one else in Kenya had dared to dream: a non-stop, unassisted six-hour swim across seven kilometres in a swimming pool. As she emerged from the water, shivering and barely able to speak, the poolside erupted in cheers and tears.
"I remember coming out and seeing the faces of the jubilant crowd, just so emotionally charged," Njeri recalls, her voice still carrying the warmth of that moment. "Some were shedding tears of joy because I finally made it and set a swimming record."
For this grandmother, the journey began decades ago. With over 40 years as a lifeguard and swimming coach, Njeri has dedicated her life to water safety. But this challenge carried an even deeper purpose – raising awareness and funds for teaching children with autism to swim safely.
"Drowning is a major global cause of death," she explains, her voice taking on a serious tone. "Children with special needs are particularly vulnerable. My goal is to empower these children to enjoy the water without fear."
The morning of her historic swim began at 9am. Equipped with only white headgear, dark goggles, and unwavering determination, Njeri sliced through the water hour after hour, pausing briefly only to hydrate. Her Facebook livestream drew supporters from across the country, with many rushing to witness history in the making.
Perhaps the most telling testament to her extraordinary endurance came from her own grandson. Twenty-one-year-old Onesmus Njoroge, himself a promising swimmer, attempted to keep pace with his grandmother. He had to take multiple breaks while she pressed on.
Sally a certified coach and a life saver in this photo taken on September, 17, 2021, at Shah Lalji Nangpar Academy Nakuru County.
"What my grandma did was simply incredible for her age," Njoroge says, pride evident in his voice. "It was the most excruciating challenge of her life, but she finished it, and I'm so proud of her."
Kenya Life Saving Federation President Job Kania, who observed the entire feat, was moved by her display of mental fortitude. "I've seen courage before, but I have never seen bravery like this. This was more about mental discipline than physical ability. Her feat showcases the power of endurance, a lesson for anyone in or out of the pool."
Her training partner, Sheila Mayoyo, shares a similar sentiment: "She has shown that age is no barrier to strength. Young swimmers can learn from her resilience. It takes nerves and a mind of steel to do what she did."
The challenge, dubbed "The Ultimate Endurance Swimming Challenge," transcended mere record-setting. For Njeri, it was about shattering age-related stereotypes and raising awareness about Kenya's high drowning rates – the second leading cause of accidental deaths after road accidents.
"People told me I was too old for this. They suggested I try just three kilometres instead," she says with a laugh. "But age is just a number. I may be 64, but that doesn't mean I can't achieve big things."
Behind the triumph lay months of rigorous preparation. A strict regimen of balanced nutrition, hydration, and physical conditioning formed the foundation of her training. But it was her mental preparation that proved crucial during the gruelling hours in the pool.
The most challenging moment came halfway through when cramps set in. "I was using only my hands for half of the swim," Njeri reveals. "But I thought of people who swim with physical disabilities, and that inspired me to keep going."
As the final minutes approached, exhaustion threatened to overwhelm her. "When the timekeeper told me I had only four minutes left, I was stunned. I thought he meant four hours!" she recalls with a chuckle.
Yet for Njeri, this record-breaking swim is just the beginning. Her eyes now set on an even more ambitious goal – representing Kenya in the Olympics.
"My journey isn't over. I feel like I'm just getting started," she declares. "I made a pact with God to keep pushing forward."
Her message to aspiring swimmers resonates with the wisdom of experience: "Build mental endurance. Physical strength is vital, but a strong mind is your greatest asset."
