BENGALURU: Struggle and a sportsperson’s life are synonymous. And if it’s swimming in India, the struggle intensifies. But it’s all worth it if you make it to the Olympics. The agony of not being there is a pain only those who went close would understand. The failure takes a toll on mental health. India’s once shining star in swimming, Aaron D’souza, who is heading to Jakarta for the Asian Games, is one of them.
Back in 2012, when India was celebrating its most medals (two silver and four bronze) at the Olympics, Aaron was fighting to get out of depression.
The freestyler was denied a chance despite having earned the ‘B’ qualifying mark. His Olympics dream was shattered thanks to the ‘Universality’ quota. Ullalmath Gagan was given the only available spot ahead of Aaron, Virdhawal Khade, Sandeep Sejwal and Saurabh Sangvekar, who all had earned the ‘B’ mark.
While others managed to move on, Aaron wasn’t so lucky. “I was four when I wanted to participate in the Olympics. I gave my everything prior to 2012 and one fine morning I was told that I couldn’t go and someone else without a qualifying mark would. That hurt. It took me almost two years to get out of that,” the Bengaluru lad said.
To get out of depression, he started focussing on swimming again and was rewarded with a place in the 2014 Asian Games. It was not the comeback he had hoped for as he failed to progress to the finals in both of his events. However, he continued to progress and it seemed his Olympic dreams would be fulfilled in Rio 2016. But it was not to be. He suffered a slip disc injury in 2014. He recovered but fate dealt him another blow before Rio. He suffered from dengue, breaking him both physically and mentally.
“It was a huge demotivating factor for Aaron. He missed the Olympics once again. Though he came back again, he has never been the same. His performances have stagnated. He hasn’t progressed much and that’s a big loss,” said Nihar Ameen, Aaron’s coach. “He is training well but he isn’t at his best. But he is a great asset for the relay team. Hopefully, he does well in the 100m freestyle and it motivates him to find his best form.”
Aaron didn’t have a great 2018. His timings in Singapore nationals was not exceptional. But he gave his best in the Asian Games trials to earn himself a spot. At the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence, the 26-year-old is starting all over again, setting new targets for himself to reignite the spark in him.
“I haven’t participated in any international meets in 2017. 2016-17 was a dark period and now I’m getting over it. I have had people supporting me and encouraging me to continue. Especially, Nihar sir has been very patient and supportive,” Aaron said. “The fact that I haven’t dropped down from my personal best, helps. So, the target is definitely a medal at the Asian Games and then National Games, senior nationals and World Championship to start preparing for the Olympics again.”
krishnendu@newindianexpress.com