"What I am today is because of you!” An autographed photo sent by Olympian swimming medalist Michael Klim was one of Khorshed Bhathena’s most prized possessions until her demise in Bombay at the age of 84 years on September 13, 2019. She had tutored the young Klim when his father was posted in Bombay and had recognized his potential since childhood.
Training countless other students who went on to win accolades in swimming, she is known to have passed on her love for swimming to three generations during the nearly five decades she taught at the Breach Candy Swimming Bath Trust (BCSBT) and other prestigious housing complexes in South Bombay. Short and rotund, Bhathena was known for her ability to teach powerful strokes and that too without getting into the pool herself. She continued to be in demand until the end. For her "47 years of love and dedication to BCSBT from 1972 to 2019 (as) swim coach and mentor” a plaque was installed near the bench where kids were made to lie down while she taught them arm and leg movements that would prepare them for the pool. "All those innumerable and priceless trophies the BCSBT teams have won... are a witness to the hard work and efforts put in by (her),” noted a tribute displayed at the BCSBT.
Clockwise from above right : Khorshed Bhathena in her prime;
with Naval; with Michael Klim and Anna Eagle; coaching children
As reported in many city dailies, Bhathena was a self taught swimmer, having jumped into the sea when she could not get membership into any swimming pool when she came from Calcutta to Bombay. More interested in long distance swimming than sprints, in 1964 she reportedly swam for 50 miles from Alibaug and reached the Gateway of India the next day. She had also won the state government organized competition from the Sunk Rock to Apollo Bunder.
Her late husband Naval was a diving coach who helped her perfect her strokes. She would accompany him to different clubs. When injuries forced her to opt out of competitive swimming, she took to coaching and along with her husband guided swimmers who went on to win state, national and international laurels.