Three years ago, Srihari Nataraj etched his name in Indian swimming history by becoming the second Indian swimmer to achieve the Olympic qualification time in the 100m backstroke. While his Olympic debut in Tokyo saw him finish 27th, missing the semifinals, Srihari is now in the midst of what he calls his best season.
Despite narrowly securing a universality spot for the Paris Olympics, Srihari is undeterred. He acknowledges his shortcomings, particularly the need to improve his performance in the final stretch of races and increase his initial speed. While his training is on point, he’s focused on translating that success into race-day execution.
Looking back at his Tokyo experience, Srihari reflects on the lessons learned from competing at such a high level. He emphasizes the importance of staying grounded, focusing on the task at hand, and avoiding getting overwhelmed by the grandeur of the event.
Srihari is driven by his desire to emulate his sporting idols, Lionel Messi and Rafael Nadal. He admires Messi’s finesse and Nadal’s resilience, seeking to incorporate these traits into his own swimming. He believes that this mindset has contributed to his growth as an athlete.
Looking ahead, Srihari acknowledges the challenges of peaking again and achieving a personal best in Paris. He is confident in his abilities and the progress he has made since Tokyo.
Srihari’s dedication to his sport is evident in his rigorous training schedule and disciplined lifestyle. He aims to maintain consistency in his routine while allowing himself to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
The future holds a mix of excitement and uncertainty for Srihari. While he’s yet to plan his post-Olympic schedule, he intends to get a tattoo celebrating his Olympic journey. He acknowledges the need for a short break after the Games, a luxury he hasn’t had in recent years.
Srihari’s journey began at a young age, driven by his mother’s desire to tire him out with swimming. He realized his potential at 15, dedicating himself to the sport. He balances his training with an MBA in marketing, finding time for other interests like movies, television, music, and other sports.
Srihari’s dedication, perseverance, and unwavering focus are driving him towards achieving his ultimate goal – to make a significant impact on Indian swimming and inspire future generations. He believes that with continued progress and strong performances at the international level, Indian swimming can reach new heights.
