LONDON and KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian swimmer Estino Taniyu completed a solo swim across the English channel on Friday in what has already seen praise in Malaysia. The 1Malaysia English Channel Unity Swim Expedition swimmer Taniyu made history when he completed his solo challenge. “It is a great day for Malaysia and the pride of our great nation,” said Malaysia's Prime Minister Press Secretary Akmar Hisham Mokhles of Taniyu's accomplishment. He also confirmed that the 24-year-old swimmer had completed the challenge, leaving from Calais in France and arriving at Dover Beach in England. Taniyu, who is a Malaysian Royal Navy personnel from Semporna, Sabah clocked the swim in 13 hours 45 minutes and 45 seconds. Malaysians who heard of the feat were proud of the swimmer, telling Bikyamasr.com that “it shows us that Malaysians can truly do anything we put our mind and effort towards.” The press secretary said Taniyu was the second swimmer from Malaysia to have conquered the English Channel in the cageless swimming category after Lennard Lee made the journey in 2004. Meanwhile, the relay team of six swimmers also completed their challenge of swimming across the English Channel at 4pm on Thursday in 14 hours 30 minutes. The team comprised Mohd Roslan Mohd Zawawi, as the lead swimmer, Mohd Khairul Faizal Mazli, Mohd Salleh Mahmor, Buranurdin Sali, Sharizal Omar and Mohd Zulfadhli Mahamad. “We are grateful that the challenge is completed. We would like to thank all Malaysians for their prayers,” Mokhles said.
