“I believe that every athlete has their own timeline for success” - Quartermiler Priya Mohan feels setbacks make athletes stronger

Two-time World U20 medalist and one of India's top 400m runners, Priya Mohan feels different athletes peak at different stages of their careers. She took a motivating example of track and field athlete Alison Phillips competing at 35 years of age.

Priya Mohan, who graced the event ‘An Olympic Dream: Sport in India,’ a panel discussion hosted by the JSW Group, Asia Society India Centre, and the Consulate General of France in Mumbai, spoke about her injury, training, setbacks, Neeraj Chopra’s gold medal win and many more.

"I believe that every athlete has their own timeline for success. Most athletes peak around 24 or 25 years old. Seeing Alison Phillips compete at 35 is very motivating for me. It reminds me that setbacks can make us stronger and prepare us for greater achievements ahead. I didn't train for almost two months due to an injury, but when I returned to the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), I recovered quickly and was back on track within three months. That progress was encouraging,” she stated.

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“I’ve gained a new perspective” - Priya Mohan

Unfortunately, Priya Mohan missed the Asian Games in 2023 due to a rare lung condition. She underwent surgery, was in the ICU for five days, and had to take one and a half months rest.

Having recovered from the rare condition, she thanked the Inspire Institute of Sports (IIS) for bringing her out of the challenging phase of her career. Her mindset changed after interacting with a lot of athletes during her tough phase.

She secured a silver in the 2022 U20 World Championships in Cali, Colombia, in the 4x400m mixed relay and a bronze medal in the same event in the 2021 edition in Nairobi, Kenya.

“However, when I increased the intensity of my training, I faced complications with my lungs not expanding fully. Thanks to the support from IIS, these issues were addressed. The time I lost was a learning experience that made me stronger. I interacted with many athletes during this period, which changed my mindset. I feel I haven't lost anything significant; instead, I've gained a new perspective,” she added.

She was the fastest quarter-miler in 2021. However, Priya Mohan didn’t make it to the mixed relay team at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 as she wasn’t part of the national camp then. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has a policy of selecting only national campers for the Games.

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