Arati Saha

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexFemale
Full nameArati Gupha•Saha (-Gupta)
Used nameArati•Saha
Born24 September 1940 in Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal (IND)
Died23 August 1994 in Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal (IND)
NOC India

Biography

Arati Saha was a distance swimmer who competed at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. She later achieved fame in September 1959 when she became the first Asian woman to swim the English Channel, crossing from France-to-England in 16 hours, 20 minutes. It was her second attempt, as she attempted the crossing in July 1959, but had to turn back when her pilot boat was late and she missed the optimal conditions.

Saha married her longtime manager Dr. Arun Gupta in 1959. She was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, in 1960. In 1999 the Department of Posts created a postage stamp in her honor. On the 80th anniversary of her birthday, Google created a Google Doodle in honor of her accomplishments.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1952 Summer Olympics Swimming (Aquatics) IND Arati Saha
400 metres Freestyle, Women (Olympic) DNS
200 metres Breaststroke, Women (Olympic) 33

Special Notes