Three years ago, Srihari Nataraj became the second Indian swimmer to break the Olympic qualifying time with 53.77 in the 100m backstroke, 0.08 seconds faster than required. However, he finished 27th in his Olympic debut in Tokyo with a time of 54.31, missing the semi-finals.
Three years later, Srihari is in the midst of what he calls his best season. Although his training seems focused on the song, he is not very happy with his timing. Despite missing out on direct qualification, the 23-year-old secured the universality berth for the Paris Olympics with just two points ahead of compatriot Aryan Nehra.
The Karnataka swimmer could find himself competing against current world record holder Thomas Ceccon of Italy and six-time Olympic medalist Ryan Murphy of the United States as he prepares for his second Olympic swim on July 28.
Srihari, in a conversation with Sports starsreflected on his shortcomings and lessons learned from the Tokyo Olympics, his desire to emulate his idols Lionel Messi and Rafael Nadal, and his tattoo plans after Paris.
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When did you learn that you were selected for the Paris Olympics?
Throughout the season we were convinced that I would make the team, given my training. Our goal was to achieve the Olympic “A” qualifying time. The wait was agonizing for us, especially with other Indian swimmers finishing their competitions. So it was with some relief that we learned that I was qualified.
FILE PHOTO: Srihari Nataraj during a men’s 100m backstroke event. , Photo credit: RITU RAJ KONWAR? The Hindu
FILE PHOTO: Srihari Nataraj during a men’s 100m backstroke event. , Photo credit: RITU RAJ KONWAR? The Hindu
Did you encounter any difficulties that prevented you from reaching the Olympic place in Paris with the qualifying time “A”
In the end, it just didn’t happen. However, there are areas where I fall short. I have to figure out how to improve my performance in the last 15 to 20 meters and increase my speed in the first 50 meters. Despite good training, it was a bit shocking to find that the results were not up to expectations, especially since this has been one of my best seasons in terms of training. This has to happen on race day, it’s about going out there, being confident and executing the race perfectly. It’s something I’m working on and as a team we’re trying to improve. I have to make sure it clicks at the Olympics.
What does your daily schedule look like leading up to the Olympics?
I work out in the pool eight to nine times a week and in the gym three to four times. I swim every morning except Wednesday and every evening except Wednesday and Saturday; Sunday is my day off. My training program has remained the same and will continue to be until the Olympics.
As a big race approaches, I prioritize rest more. I avoid eating out to minimize the risk of stomach infections and prefer to relax at home. Other than these adjustments, there isn’t much else that changes in my routine.
How does your preparation for the Paris Olympics differ from that of Tokyo, and what changes have you made between the two?
Arriving in Tokyo, I was coming off COVID-19 and qualified, after which I had a month of training before the Olympics. This year the preparation was very different, but my training was much more effective. I don’t like change, so I’ve tried to maintain consistency in my routine over the past few years.
I am much more mature now compared to my time in Tokyo. I learned and grew a lot as a swimmer and athlete. This has been the biggest change for me. I have become more relaxed and I no longer get upset about everything. I now feel more comfortable if my routine is changed or if things don’t go as planned: I can adapt and adapt better.
What lessons from Tokyo do you want to implement this time?
I had a good race in Tokyo, but it didn’t work out. It was difficult to achieve two peaks in one month, which was our biggest obstacle. Looking ahead, the challenge will be to reach a peak again and discover something special to perform even better than in Tokyo, aiming for a personal best.
Any advice to give to Dhinidhi Desinghu, the youngest Indian in the Parisian group who will join you?
The Olympics are the biggest stage in sports. I know it’s overwhelming sometimes and a little intimidating because even though she competed in the Asian Games, it’s much bigger than that. The Olympic Village, especially the dining hall where you see the best athletes from all sports, can be quite intimidating. It’s important to understand that it’s normal to feel excited – I certainly was, and I’m sure all athletes have been at some point.
During the Games, it is crucial to remember that you are there for a reason. Focus on what you need to do and remember to stay grounded. Tell yourself that there will also be time to ask for photos or autographs later. But you need to focus on yourself, stick to your process and routine, keep your mind calm and not get carried away.
What are your plans after the Olympics?
I plan to take a short break after the Olympics. I haven’t yet planned my schedule for the season following the Games. I’m planning to get a tattoo, possibly with the Olympic rings and a few others. As swimmers, we cannot immediately enter the water right after getting a tattoo; we need some free time, which I haven’t had recently. Afterwards, I don’t have anything planned, I know that there are world championships (25m) and I don’t know yet if I want to swim that or not.
FILE PHOTO: Srihari Nataraj in action. , Photo credit: MURALI KUMAR K/ The Hindu
FILE PHOTO: Srihari Nataraj in action. , Photo credit: MURALI KUMAR K/ The Hindu
Did your swimming journey begin and when did you decide to make it a career?
I started swimming when I was two years old because of my brother. My mother decided that if I spent more time in the pool, I would get tired and fall asleep, because I was pretty naughty when I was a kid. In 2015 I made my first international team and the following year I won my first senior national medal. It was at the age of 15 that I realized I had the potential to achieve something in swimming, and that’s when I started taking it more seriously.
What do you do in your free time? Do you have any hobbies?
I watch movies and TV shows and listen to music, but I am also pursuing an MBA in Marketing from Jain University. When I’m at home, I spend a lot of time reading and studying swimming, with the goal of understanding the mechanics of the sport and how it relates to my own body and approach. Whenever my schedule allows, I also like to play other sports. Despite my limited free time, I try to incorporate these activities into my routine. Typically Monday through Friday I take naps whenever I have a break to allow my body to recover.
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Who is your inspiration or role model?
There are a lot of people. Every swimmer, at some point, Michael Phelps is an inspiration. I enjoy watching and playing tennis, football and cricket. I am a big fan of Nadal and the way he plays. Rather than idolizing, I observe athletes’ performances in their respective sports and try to learn from them. I want to be as perfect as Messi and as tough as Nadal. I want to incorporate certain aspects of these athletes and implement them when I swim. I want my shot to be as good and fluid as Messi’s control of the football. At the same time, I also want to be tough and strong and I don’t want to give up points like Nadal, especially when I feel that burn and pain in the last 20 meters. This mindset helped me grow.
As for swimmers, I don’t have many role models anymore because I now consider them all my competitors. Therefore, I train myself not to idolize my competitors.
Someone you like to compete against?
The race I had the most fun and looked forward to the most was against one of my best friends, Neil Roy. He has since stopped swimming, so I can no longer compete with him, knowing he won’t come back. Even though I know Caeleb Dressel would be in the lead, I wouldn’t mind racing against him.
How can Indian swimming improve to compete with the best in the world?
If the answer were that simple, we would all have done it by now. We need a big breakthrough performance, similar to what athletics achieved with Neeraj Chopra, PV Sindhu in badminton and Rohan Bopanna in tennis. One or two breakthrough performances at world level will help boost the sport across the country. Many changes are underway. The Swimming Federation of India and the Sports Authority of India are making tremendous efforts and we are already seeing many young swimmers improving and swimming faster. It’s only a matter of time before we see the impact and achieve international success.
