In 2008, Anal Patel enrolled Maana Patel in a summer camp for swimming, like many other parents do. Her motive was different. She wanted to see then 8-year-old Maana’s appetite improve. She did not eat much. In two years, Maana started competing in club level competitions. In 2011, she won her first national medal in 100-meter backstroke. From then, there was no looking back.
Hailing from Ahmedabad, the 21-year-old has got Olympic berth in 100 meter, becoming first Indian woman swimmer to be at Tokyo.
Maana’s career has seen success and failures. Once at a national meet, she was disqualified in her favourite event—100 metre backstroke. Maana has 73 national and 25 international medals to her credit.
Her role model has been Michael Phelps. But when she was 13 and had three Indian best timings, as people asked her about the role model and she would reply that she wanted to be the role model for others.
With Rajiv Patel, an equity portfolio manager, and Anal, a home maker, fully behind their daughter, Maana aims to give her best performance in Tokyo. Having done B.Com with honours, she plans to do post graduation in sports science after the Olympics. Five feet and eight inches tall, she balances food with high calorie protein, low carbohydrate diet. Her food includes fruits and vegetables. However, pav bhaji cooked by her mother is what she loves the most.
In an exclusive interview with THE WEEK, Maana talks about her initial career, aim and COVID-19 precautions. Excerpts of the interview:
Do you come from a family having sports background?
No. My father did not know how to swim until 2015.
At what age did you start competing?
At the age of 10. In 2010, I started coaching under Kamlesh Nanavati. There was no pressure. I had not thought about long term. I was taking one step at a time.
Who spotted your talent?
I used to compete at club levels. At that time, seniors used to tell me that I looked good in water and should take professional classes. Nobody thought that I would make it big until 2011 when I got my first ever medal in the nationals. Nanavati Sir then thought that I would make it big.
Had you set a target for yourself?
No, not really. It was only after 2011 when I became the fastest Indian backstroker. I then decided that I want to represent the country in Olympics.
Where all have you trained?
Till 2015, I trained in Ahmedabad. In 2015, I went to Australia and in 2016 to the US. From 2017 to 2020, I trained in Mumbai and from early 2021, I trained in Bengaluru.
How many hours do you practice?
Two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening. In the afternoon, I go to the gymnasium for one hour.
How do you improve your performance?
I improve my performance by reviewing it, analysing the strokes and focus on what you are lacking.
Who have been your training partners?
I have trained with many swimmers. However, for this particular event, I trained alongside Srihari Natraj.
What has been your best timing in 100 metre backstroke?
1.03.77.
What was the gold medal winning timing in the last Olympics in your category?
It was 58 seconds.
What are your expectations at the Olympics?
I intend to improve my performance and give best timing. There is scope for improvement. I intend to cut down on the time.
How do you ensure that success does not go into your head?
We have not celebrated any of my achievements. I give full credit to my parents that they have taught me to stay humble and rooted. Once one event is over, preparations begin for the next event.
COVID-19 has given difficult times. How do you ensure protection?
I do not go out anywhere. I wear mask all the time. I maintain social distancing and I am fully vaccinated.
