CHENNAI: A dithya D is adamant about making winning a habit. Having shone at the senior and national levels, the promising swimmer went bigger, making a mark at the international level. Adithya bagged six medals, including four gold, at the South Asian Aquatics Championships in Colombo last month.
Despite the four gold, it included just one individual gold in 100m butterfly, while the other three were in relay events. He hopes to improve more. “I grabbed two silver medals in 50m backstroke and 50m butterfly, so I know there is scope for improvement. I’m pretty disappointed with this aspect, the lack of individual gold. But there is time to improve, and I will work on that,” says the 17-year-old.
Regarding his experience competing against international swimmers a good challenge, Adithya says, “It was a new experience for me. The competition was of high standards, and there’s a lot of technical difference as well. Strategies are different, and so are starts and turns. But I did what I always do, and it worked out for me.”
Being a youngster, it wasn't easy giving up on his favourite food in order to follow a specific diet catering to his swimming requirements. It was his mother, Bindhu, who helped him. “I do follow a diet, and it was my mother who first told me to do so. Initially, I used to get very angry with her for it.
I couldn't eat or drink stuff my friends had, and that really got to me. But when I finally won a national gold, I realised she was right all along. I avoid fried items and beverages, and make sure to have fruit juices, nuts, dry fruits and eggs daily.”
The National School Games, from November 25 to 29, is his next target, as it serves as selection trials for the World School Games. “My confidence has risen owing to my recent success, and I want to do well there and carry it forward to the World School Games,” adds the SDAT Velachery-based
swimmer.