India's 'Little Mermaid' Swapnali Yadav emerged champion in the first Kimberley National Lake Argyle Swim, which was held on April 30.
The event was organized by Lake Argyle Swim Inc., under the auspices of the Association of Swimming Australia, the local Western Australian government, the Department of Sports & Recreation and world body FINA.
Swapnali was one of the special invitees for the 20km Open swim in the 80km picturesque lake in Kununurra, Western Australia, that is 21 times bigger than the Sydney Harbour and infested with about 35,000 crocodiles.
The Andheri girl won the women's category, finishing second overall in the Open category. She completed the swim in an impressive time of 7 hours, 7 minutes and 24 seconds.
- Mumbai lass Swapnali Yadav makes swimming history
"It was a real challenge," said Swapnali of Bombay Cambridge school.
"But I was confident of completing the swim. I had seen Lake Argyle on the Internet before I thought the swim would be interesting," she added.
At 12 years, four months and 25 days, Swapnali is the youngest and only Indian participant in the world and first Indian to win the competition, which has earned her a place in the Limca Book of Records yet again after her earlier feats that earned her a place in the record books.
"Swapnali's entry attracted plenty of attention. She braved the crocodiles and was an inspiration to other swimmers. She is now the 'Crocodile Princess'," said Taneille Anderson, co-ordinator and president of Lake Argyle Swim Inc.
