Student Achiever: ‘The competition taught me the importance of regular training’

A young swimmer showcased determination and skill at the Open Swimming Competition organised by Doaba Swimming Academy. He secured third position and a medal in the Under-14 25m event, while finishing fourth in the 50m race. Meet Yadunandan Vats of Apeejay School, Rama Mandi, Jalandhar.

In a candid interview, he talks about the learning curve from participating in this competition, among other things.

Tell us about yourself.

I am a Class IX student who aspires to become a Computer Engineer. I consider myself driven and disciplined. My recent achievement at the Open Swimming Competition gave me the confidence to train more and achieve more milestones.

How did you prepare for the Open Swimming Competition?

I spent the entire month of June preparing for the competition. I would wake up at 4 am, pack my swimming kit, and head to the pool for practice. I swam at least 500 metres every day. My coaches also helped me greatly by guiding me and improving my technique.

What was your experience of competing in the Under-14 category?

It was a wonderful experience to participate in the swimming tournament. My parents encouraged me to take part because I have been training at the academy since 2022. Competing against other swimmers allowed me to test my skills and gain valuable experience.

How did you feel after securing third position in the 25m event?

I felt very happy after securing third position because the competition was quite tough. The swimmer who finished fourth was a strong competitor, and getting ahead of him was not easy. Since this was my first tournament, the achievement was especially meaningful to me. However, I hope to perform even better next time.

Which event did you find more challenging, the 25m or the 50m race, and why?

I found the 50-metre race more challenging because the swimmers who had secured the first three positions in the 25-metre event were also competing in it. Taking an early lead and maintaining it was difficult. Despite the tough competition, I secured fourth position, which was an important milestone for me.

What did you learn from participating in this competition?

Competitive swimming taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of regular training. I also learnt how to overcome setbacks and remain focused on my goals. Balancing my training with other commitments helped me develop accountability, a strong work ethic, and a goal-orientated approach.

What are your future goals in swimming?

 I would like to participate in more swimming competitions and continue improving my performance. My long-term goal is to pursue swimming professionally.