The official confirmation came only on Wednesday, but Srihari Nataraj knew on Sunday that he probably had done enough to be a part of India’s Tokyo Olympics contingent. And so the 20-year-old swimmer straightaway dived into food to celebrate.
Srihari clocked 53.77 seconds in the men’s 100m backstroke at the Sette Colli Trophy in Rome on Sunday. Fina, the sport’s governing body, ratified the swimmer’s ‘A’ standard qualification time on Wednesday.
“I took off to an Indian restaurant in Rome on Sunday itself to celebrate,” Srihari, speaking to The Telegraph from his home in Bangalore, chuckled on Thursday. “I had had enough of pizzas there (in Rome) and was craving for some tasty Indian food.
“Big lockdown last year, multiple small lockdowns this year, hindrances have been many and the qualification took longer than expected. And now finally when I made it, I couldn’t wait to celebrate.”
The Tokyo Olympics will mark the first time when two Indian swimmers — Srihari and Sajan Prakash — will take part in the Summer Games after achieving direct qualification.
On Friday, a third swimmer, Maana Patel’s, participation was confirmed through the ‘Universality quota’.
What will be his training plans in the final phase of the countdown to Tokyo?
“Simple, it’s back to the pool right away (Srihari returned home on Wednesday). And I will continue to train the way I have been till I leave for the Games.”
Swimming pools in Karnataka are still closed. But to help Srihari in his final lap of preparation, the state government has decided to open one pool only for Srihari to prepare.
The youngest Indian to earn a direct Olympic qualification in swimming sounded quite mature in his plans to handle pressure.
“That’s what I am doing everyday in the pool — preparing myself mentally as I ready myself physically. The four hours in the pool and two hours in the gym that I put in everyday is a part of my mental training too.
“As I train, as my timings improve, I grow in confidence and am mentally ready too. For me, at least, no separate mental preparation is necessary. On race day, I don’t need any extra boost.“After strenuous practice and a rigorous workout every day of the week, I feel satisfied, that is my mental preparation.”
How does he rate his chances at the Olympics?
“Realistically speaking, I hope to make the semis,” was his prompt response.
Fair enough, considering he’s only 20 and this is his first shot at the big event. So like many athletes, is he thinking of the Paris Games already?
“Not at all. My next target is the 2022 Asian Games in China where I definitely intend to pocket a medal. As for Paris, there’s enough time to think of it,” Srihari said.