Herald: When did you start taking swimming seriously and who played an important role in helping you realise your potential?
Shoan Ganguly: I started swimming at the age of two-and-half along with my father. Initially, it was all fun, but at the age of nine, I took it seriously and started participating in competitions. My parents played a very important role in helping me realise my potential in swimming. My father cum coach particularly has been a huge support and he has sacrificed a lot for me.
Herald: You broke three National records and won the individual championship at the Glenmark sub junior and 46th junior aquatic championship 2019 – where do you list this among your achievements?
SG: This is not the first time I have broken a National record. In 2017 championship held at Balewadi, Pune, I had created three new National records and claimed four gold medals. I consider all my achievements as equally good and this is just the beginning of my career.
Herald: With regards to your training, what aspects did you work on which you think mainly contributed to your success this year?
SG: My father Surajit Ganguly is my strength. I love swimming and train four-five hours daily along with him. I follow his coaching lessons. My yoga teacher too contributed in a huge way in my success.
Herald: What made you to take up swimming as a career and how did that change your training schedule?
SG: At the age of 8 I started working hard when I was in Bangalore. In 2015, I created two National records and won the Sub-Junior National Championship, Pune. From then onwards I decided to become a professional swimmer. I started working hard by exercising, taking care of my eating habits and my sleeping schedule too.
Herald: What goes in your mind when you are actually inside a pool?
SG: I concentrate on myself without thinking about the rivals. Even if they go ahead of me I don’t panic and see that I touch my target timings.
Herald: In terms of your personal goals, what is your next aim?
SG: I aim to give my best in the 10th Asian Age Group Championship 2019.
Herald: Do you get any support from the local Association?
SG: Yes. The support that I received from the Goa Swimming Association is amazing. The association has always been helpful. I am very much thankful to them and also my school (Shree Ram Vidya Mandir, Colvale).
