Maana Patel is an Indian athlete, the first female swimmer to qualify for Tokyo Olympics to compete in the women’s 100m backstroke. She hails from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Maana finished with a time of 1.05.20 behind Zimbabwe’s Donata Katai.
She was selected for the Olympic Gold Quest in 2015. She had won the silvers in 50 metre, 100 metre and 200 metre backstroke; bronze in 50 metre freestyle; gold in 4×100 metre freestyle relay; 4×100 metre medley relay at the 12th South Asian Games (2016).
Maana won 3 gold medals at the 72nd Senior National Aquatic Championships-2018. Maana won six medals (1 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze) at the 10th Asian Age-group Championships-2019 which was held in Bangalore.
She has received the Sardar Patel award from the Gujarat state government in India.
Catch Ms. Maana Patel in conversation with Women Fitness President, Ms. Namita Nayyar as she unfolds her success story.
N.N.
At what age did you start swimming and what motivated you to pursue at a competitive level?
M.N.
So none of us from my family thought I’d be a swimmer in particular. But as a kid, my appetite was very poor. There is this thing that If u play in the water you eat properly. So because of this, my mom put me in a summer swim batch in 2008. That’s when I learned how to swim. The purpose of me eating properly was also solved and I was enjoying it at the same time. Slowly I started taking part in the club level meets and I used to win. A few people advised me to take up swimming professionally. In 2010 I decided to do so.
In 2011 I won my first national medal and in 2013 I became India’s fastest female backstroke in 50m 100m and 200m. I had got a standing ovation from the crowd at the pool. I heard a big roar from the stands when I finished my race and then got out my coach was in tears. I was so overwhelmed but I still didn’t know what it meant. I was just very happy and then there was no looking back.
N.N.
Share input on your daily routine while training for championships & on a regular basis? How do you like to kick start your day?
M.N.
For the last 11 years, I’ve had the same routine in terms of my training. I wake up in the morning at 5 swims from 5:30-7;30 then go to the gym, after the gym I get some maintenance work or rehab done then lunch, I rest for some time, and again swim from 4-6. When I had school or college, tuitions I’d do that during the day after a morning swim.
N.N.
As of August 2016, you have won 11 international, 61 national, and 75 state-level medals. Top 5 key essentials, for an athlete to achieve success.
M.N.
For me, success means becoming a better version of oneself.
- Any athlete or any normal person who wants to be successful should be very disciplined and dedicated to their craft. Respecting and loving what you do is very important.
- One should learn to master their mind, mental strength is of utmost importance and that’s what gives you an edge after you reach a certain level. Once you learn how to align your body with your mind, you can do wonders.
- Set daily goals, take baby steps, and keep a track of your progress.
- Reading biographies of successful athletes, entrepreneurs always helps. It keeps you motivated and you learn so much from their journey which you could inculcate in your life.
- Whatever you do, should always give 100% and nothing less than that. Be true to yourself when you train/work.
N.N.
Injuries are a part of every sport. You too have suffered an ankle injury in 2019. It’s a big challenge for any sportsperson to recover and return back to sports. How did you go about taking care of your physical & emotional trauma, please share? What & who all helped you to bounce back.
M.N
In 2017 I was discovered with a labrum tear in my left shoulder which kept me out of the water for almost 8 months. And even after that getting back to swimming was very difficult because I lacked power and strength. My shoulders had gotten very weak and I wasn’t able to swim like before. I couldn’t accept this situation and my condition and hence I was depressed for quite some time. I had lost a lot of weight and I would just sleep throughout the day. I was really scared to go to the pool or even begin my day. I was hell-bent on quitting the sport. I had given up hopes of coming back.
But my team which includes my parents, my coach, my Physio believed in me more than I did and they kept pushing me and motivating me. Deep down I knew I couldn’t stay away
From swimming and I needed one good race to bring my confidence back. In 2018 after almost 14 months I raced and broke my own Indian best record in 100mts backstroke. And after that, I won 4 golds and 1 silver at the South Asian Games and 1 gold 4 silvers, and 1 bronze at the Asian age group.
I’m so glad that my team never stopped believing in me and never let me hang my suit. When you’re at your lowest you should always surround yourself with people who keep you happy and positive.
N.N.
5 Key before & after stretches for any swimmer to enhance performance & recovery.
M.N.
Recovery is as important as training for any athlete. It prepares you for your next practice session. You can only perform well in your competitions if you’ve properly trained for it and recovery plays an important role in it.
- Warming up before training is very much required Dynamic warm up and some rotator cuff exercise is always recommended before training so your shoulders are prepared to take the load of the workout without getting injured.
- You could also do some scapula stabilizing and core exercises before jumping in.
- Post swimming, stretching and foam rolling is very important. It flushes out the toxins out of the muscles.
- Getting a light massage is also recommended.
- Icing the shoulders and any areas which are more fatigued due to training helps in faster recovery.
N.N
Proper Nutrition is of utmost importance. Throw some light on the kind of diet you follow on a daily basis. Foods you keep to a minimum. Supplements you believe are a must.
M.N.
Diet also plays a key role in an athlete’s life. I try and have a balanced diet. I’d definitely recommend all athletes get a blood report done to check their vital levels. It’s very important as a part of your recovery.
Supplements that I believe are a must are – iron and magnesium tablets, multivitamin and fish oil tablets along protein powder. Then whatever else is lacking as per your blood report. During training, I focus on consuming a good amount of protein along with greens, and during my competition, I focus on getting a good amount of carbs for instant energy.
Foods that I stay away from are excess unnatural sugar I.e. pastries and chocolate and packed chips, butter, and cheese. Although everything in moderation is fine athletes should refrain from having such items.
N.N
You were the 1st female and 3rd Indian swimmer to qualify for #Tokyo2020 and gave an outstanding performance. Share the whole experience with WF followers & your fans.
M.N.
I’ve always dreamt of representing India at the Olympics since I started competitive swimming. I’ve always wanted to wear an India jersey and race. Finally, that dream came true in 2020. Although I still believe that it’s just the beginning.
Olympics is the highest pinnacle of the sports were wonderful and intimidating at the same time.
It felt like the entire world had come together at the village. It was an amazing experience interacting with some of the top athletes of the world, dining with them, and commuting with them on the same bus. As Olympics portrays ‘equality ‘performance-wise I feel I could have done much better but the nerves and anxiety got the better of me. Overall it was a great learning experience for me both professionally and personally. I have definitely grown as a person.
N.N.
According to you “Mom and I come as a package. She’s played a major role in my success”. Share a message for the most important person in your life.
M.N.
Yes, my mom and I always come as a package. She’s always been by my side like a rock since I started swimming. She’d accompany me to all the competitions, training camps. I feel we both have lived the same journey. Whatever I have experienced, she has too because we’ve always been together. On race day, no one can ever make me feel the way my mom does. She keeps me relaxed, happy, and pumped up at the same time! She’s my biggest strength and my confidant
N.N.
Upcoming future plans & goals.
M.N.
Next year is going to be a very hectic year in terms of racing. I’ll be focusing on qualifying for the Asian games, commonwealth games, and world championships. I Will definitely work hard to bring laurels to the country.
To learn more, follow Maana Patel on: