"It was in my destiny because I have honestly worked really hard all my life...." - Gagan Ullalmath Interview

Gagan AP Ullalmath will be known as Destiny’s Child since this 21-yr-old boy from Karnataka was a surprise pick by the FINA(Fédération Internationale de Natation) under the ‘Universality’ quota to represent India at the London Olympics.

Under the ‘Universality’ quota, participation in the World Championships is a must and Gagan had featured in 800m freestyle in Shanghai last July. He clocked 8:21.23 there.

A total of 216 nations compete at the quadrennial event, reserving 150 Universality slots from a total of 900 swimmers, 438 of whom have already secured their place with the OQT quota. However, his good luck doesn’t overshadow the fact how good a swimmer he is.

 Here what he said when Sportskeeda had a chat with him

What was your reaction at being selected to represent India at the London Olympics?

- I was SHOCKED. I was completely surprised to find myself in the Olympics contingent. To be honest, I didn’t expect to be selected but I guess it was in my destiny to represent my country at the London Games.

What’s it like being a professional swimmer in India? Have you always received the support and recognition that you think you deserve?

-  We all know India is a cricket crazy nation which is why there has been relatively less focus on individual sports and other sports apart from cricket. But the situation is changing now and since the last few years we have been performing at the international level and I am sure we will receive our share of recognition too. The support has always been from our families and friends. I hope more and more of corporates and sponsors to come in and promote swimming. Also the media’s role is very important in promoting a sport.

What made you take up swimming despite it being a relatively under-developed sport in India? 

- My two elder sisters were state level swimmers so, whenever they used to go for training, I used to accompany them. Since I was only 4years old my mom didn’t leave me back home. I gradually developed interest and then I fell in love with swimming.

As the only Indian swimmer participating in the Games, is there an added pressure?

- Well, there is no added pressure really because to be honest, I am not expecting myself to get any medal. It won’t be realistic to hope for a medal. Olympics is the biggest stage for any sportsperson. I will be just going there and give my best and try to make it to top 16.

Despite swimmers like Virdhawal Khade and Sandeep Sejwal meeting the qualification criteria, they weren’t selected. Can you explain what happened?

- To be honest, I really don’t know what happened. All I know is God has been kind enough to offer me this chance. As I said earlier, I believe it was in my destiny because I have honestly worked really hard all my life. I think this is the reward for all the sacrifices and the hard work that my family and I have put in.

Would you blame either the FINA or the Swimming Federation of India for dashing the hopes of several Indian swimmers who were under the impression that they had qualified for the Olympics?

- I won’t comment on that. I have been selected under the “Universality’ quota and that’s all I know. FINA had to select 900 swimmers from all around the world and I guess this might have been the reason.

Have you spoken with any of the swimmers who met the B qualification criteria and were still ignored by FINA? Do you think they have any feeling of resentment towards you?

- No, I haven’t spoken with anyone as yet, Aaron and Sandeep did congratulate me though. I doubt they would have any kind of resentment towards me as we all are friends and get along pretty well. They all are matured sportsmen and I have always respected them. Representing India is the greatest honour for any sportsperson and I am honoured to have been representing it at the biggest platform of sports.

What are your special preparation plans for the Olympics?

-    I am working hard more than ever right now. I have a very limited time left with me as Olympics are just few days away from now. So am trying to work as hard as I can.

Do you think Indian athletes have a disadvantage as compared to foreign athletes when it comes to physical sports like swimming?

- Yes, it is true to some extent and its because of many factors. We have to work harder on our fitness levels and physique than the our fellow foreign competitors. Indians follow a different diet regime which might be one of the factor. In foreign countries they don’t have to juggle with education and sports. In India since swimming is not a sport with monetary benefits not many want to make a career out of it so,  they don’t always concentrate on getting the right kind of physique since childhood.

Do you see the Indian swimmers bring home several medals from events as big as the Olympics in the recent future?

- Why not? I think the time is coming soon. Swimming should receive more funds from the Government and other corporates as travelling abroad for tournaments becomes very expensive. It is important to constantly keep taking part in the International tournaments and since most of the swimmers come from a middle class family, not everyone can afford it. Therefore, it hampers the performance and the rankings. Infrastructure in India for swimming should be more developed to help us train and compete at the highest level.

Has the criticism about you “not being the right choice for Olympics” affected you?

- Initially I did feel bad but I will not let any of this affect my performance. My focus is on swimming. Now is the time when I would have liked everyone supporting me but I guess that’s life. However, I am going to live my dream of swimming in the Olympics and therefore, I am happy with it.