A Star is Born: Young swimmer steals the show with spectacular feats

In the world of sports, some stars shine brighter than others. Among them, Anjana Suresh, a vivacious and driven girl from class IV at Apeejay Svran Global School, Faridabad Sector 21-D, is an emerging luminary. Her journey through the pool is like a dance of dedication and determination, where every stroke is a note in her symphony of success.

At the recent CBSE North Zone II Swimming Championship in Pathankot, Punjab, Anjana orchestrated a masterpiece by securing not one, but two bronze medals in the Under-11 category where she finished her last swim in a swift 51 seconds. This is a true testament to her unwavering spirit and excellence. With each stroke and every lap, she conquered the water like a professional, showcasing her commitment to this sport.

In this exclusive interview with her father, Mr Suresh Krishnaswami, let’s understand the young prodigy’s love for swimming and examine the motivation that propels her into the seamless flow of her journey towards excellence.

Excerpts from the interview:

What was the source of inspiration that led Anjana to commence her swimming journey?

She always had fondness for swimming, but her journey began two years ago when she was selected for a swimming team. Now, she’s fully immersed in a swimming academy, receiving top-notch coaching from an experienced mentor. We’re thrilled that Anjana has this opportunity to learn.

What brings her most joy when it comes to swimming?

Anjana has a genuine passion for swimming. She likes every bit of it. She also has a strong desire to win medals. Her competitive spirit is what drives her forward.

What does  her practice schedule look like?

She practices nearly three hours a day, with sessions in the morning and evening. Her routine starts with warm-up exercises, followed by essential ground exercises before hitting the pool. Afterwards, she engages in rotational exercises as well to limber up her entire body. Then, the main swimming lessons follow and they conclude with stretching to cool down her muscles.

Can you share her most memorable moment from the championship?

One of her most cherished memories is when she competed against older children, 72 in total, divided into 12 groups of six. Despite the challenges and nerves of competing against older kids, she managed to give them a tough competition and secured the bronze medal.

Did she encounter any moments of nervousness or difficulties during the competition?

She once shared her feelings regarding an experience, saying, “I was a little scared before the competition, but mumma’s encouragement helped me overcome my nervousness.” As a parent, I take great pride in how she managed the situation, despite such trials.

Are you considering swimming as a potential career for her?

While it’s still early to determine if swimming will become her profession, we’re determined to support Anjana in pursuing her passion and competing in as many events as she desires.

Are there any upcoming competitions in her schedule?

For now, this was the last competition. Now she’ll get back to the practice schedule in an all-weather pool for stroke corrections and building endurance. In March 2024, she will participate in various competitions such as   the state-level championships in July and August. So, we can expect at least 5-6 competitions in the next 4-5 months.

How has winning these medals affected her confidence and self-belief?

Anjana’s confidence received a substantial boost after winning these medals, especially, when she was declared the best swimmer in her group. She became an Individual Champion (IC) and was awarded a trophy by Shri Rao Inderjit Singh, a Member of the Lok Sabha.

Who has been her biggest cheerleader?

Her friends and family are her significant supporters. We attend her events as a team, cheering for her at every step. Every fraction of a second matters in swimming, therefore, encouragement can make a significant difference. Ultimately, it’s not just about winning or losing; we just want her to give her best performance without any undue pressure.