Liverpool man swims English Channel with one arm

A Liverpool resident who swam the English Channel despite his disability has become a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating that “nothing is impossible.” Khaled Shalaby, now 64, achieved the remarkable feat in 1983. As one of the few to complete the Channel swim at the time, what made his achievement extraordinary was doing it with only one arm.

Originally from Egypt, Khaled lost the use of his right arm at birth due to polio, a disease affecting the nerves in the spinal cord or brain stem. This required him to exert extra effort in sports.

Sharing his story, the former supervisor at Toxteth’s Citizens Advice Bureau said: “I’ve been swimming since I was four, thanks to my family, especially my mum and dad, who supported me all the way. I never let my disability affect my thinking.”

“My family taught me that I wasn’t disabled just because of my arm. They encouraged me to overcome any obstacles. I played many sports involving the use of arms, like handball and squash.”

After rigorous training, Khaled completed the 21-mile English Channel swim in 16 hours and 22 minutes. This accomplishment earned him a place in the Guinness Book of Records and recognition from King Charles, then the Prince of Wales.

Khaled detailed his journey of swimming with a paralysed right arm, relying solely on his left arm. He explained: “My right arm is completely paralysed. I don’t feel it or move it. Only my left arm works, which makes swimming much harder because long-distance swimming relies on shoulder power, not the legs.”

Discussing the challenges of swimming the English Channel, he said: “I knew it was possible, but it’s 80% shoulder and 20% legs, especially in the Channel. It’s tough because you need to keep moving and maintain balance against the tide, waves, and wind.”

Khaled has since inspired others by training six individuals with Down Syndrome, helping them achieve their goals. Among them was Faisal Al-Gosaiby, a 30-year-old with learning disabilities who completed a relay Channel swim in 10 hours and 46 minutes in August.

Reflecting on his coaching with Faisal, Khaled said: “I created a compatible relationship between him and the water. I taught him how to swim and how to breathe in the water.”

Addressing the challenges of cold water for those with Down Syndrome, he added: “People with Down Syndrome often avoid cold water. They have issues with the cold. I teach them patience and let them know it takes time.”

He concluded with a powerful message: “I believe nothing is impossible. The word isn’t in my dictionary. Helping others swim the Channel felt like reaching for the stars. It was life-changing and shows we can be part of society together. Equality and diversity in sports bring us together.”