Maana Patel - Breaking National Records at 13, To Representing India at the Olympics (Olympian Swimmer, Animal Welfare Worker)

"Driven by passion and purpose—whether in the pool, the classroom, or caring for animals, I aim to make a meaningful impact."

Q. At just 13, you broke a national record. What motivates you at such a young age to excel in swimming?

It was one of the best races of my life when I heard a roar coming from the crowd and when I turned around to see it everyone was standing and clapping for me. I knew I got the national record. When I was swimming, it wasn’t really my goal to get to such heights in the sports. I didn't even know what the Indian National record was at that time.

 I started swimming because I enjoy it. I love being in the water and I love racing. I’d be such a joyous person going to training every day and getting up on the blocks to race. The only motivation at 10,11,12 and 13 was the fact that I’m enjoying this activity the most and I want to continue doing it. Absolutely nothing else in the world made me as happy as training and racing in the pool did.

Q. How did your training under coaches like Kamlesh Nanavati and Nihar Ameen shape your journey to becoming an Olympian?

Kamlesh Nanavati is my first ever swimming coach and I deeply respect him. Early on through swimming, he has instilled in me the values which have shaped me into the person I am today. Some of them are - never showing up late for practice, never missing a day unless it is a valid reason and always greeting everyone around especially the coaches when you get to the pool. Their values are so important to me now and I believe I will carry them forever. I strongly believe that the discipline I developed was one of the big factors that helped me on the journey to becoming an Olympian.

Q. Can you share what it felt like to be the first Indian female swimmer to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics?

Yes, I was the only female with two other men at the Tokyo Olympic Games, and it was so special. Although we have had female swimmers from India at the previous editions. I could see Olympic rings everywhere at the Games village and the pool and it was surreal. The energy level was at its maximum when I was surrounded by so many incredible athletes competing in different sports from all around the world.

Q. After winning so many national and international medals, how do you set new goals for yourself?

For me, when I lose, I want to win but when I win, I want to win even more. I don’t dwell on my performances. I review them with my coaches, and we learn from the mistakes, hold onto the strengths and then decide on how to move forward. We generally fix the training and racing calendar at the beginning of the year where we plan our training pattern, rest period and race schedule. The goal for the year and set and we follow that with minor tweaks here and there. I like to plan so I always know what I’m doing next. Both in and out of the pool. I even plan my rest weeks because that is equally important for me.

Q. Balancing competitive swimming with education and animal welfare work must be challenging — how do you manage it all?

I was the happiest and at my best when I was managing my school and swimming. The values that my sport taught me, helped me get through a lot of schoolwork as well. Going to school, meeting friends, and studying allowed me to switch off from swimming and vice versa. I always had something different to look forward to after I was done with one task.

 Of course, it was challenging but I enjoyed studying and I wanted to perform well in my exams too so that kind of helped as well. I was very focused and determined whenever I’d sit down to study. Good time management was the key to manage both schedules. Because of my hectic schedule, I wasn't able to do a lot of animal welfare. 

Well not on the scale that I wanted to but I'd regularly go feed the dogs in my neighbourhood and if there was call for help to figure some arrangements for an injured dog, I'd do that as well. My parents help me out with the welfare work so it's either me or them, but we get the job done. That is a non-negotiable for us.

Q. How do you mentally prepare yourself before a big competition like the Asian Championships or the Olympics?

Somewhere along the journey, I forgot why I started swimming and that's when things started getting harder for me. Performance and results matter a lot but I gave it so much importance that I lost the joy that I would get from the sport. That's what happened to me before the Olympic Games race. I put myself under so much pressure that I choked. 

This was a big learning for me and a reminder that this is not who I am and it doesn't define me. I swim for me and I need to find that child inside me again who just swam for fun and joy. That child was the happiest and swam the best. I'd tell myself that it's the same pool, same race, same distance, and you know the drill. You've done it so many times before. It's just a goddamn race so go out there and enjoy. 

Positive self talk is so important and that's what helps me stay calm and focused before big competitions. I am with myself and I'm my biggest cheerleader.

Q. What advice would you give to young swimmers in India who dream of reaching the Olympics one day?

I would just say that you enjoy what you do. No matter what it is- sport, studies etc. Fall in love with it and be joyous while performing that activity. When you start, don't focus on the outcome. Yes, there is an ultimate goal to reach but don't stress too much on that. Learn to focus on the journey leading up to the goal. Be present in every moment and every decision you take. Most importantly, be true to yourself and the effort you put in your journey. Do not ever cheat or fool yourself. Do your work religiously. That's all !!


Bio

Maana Patel is an Olympian swimmer and one of India’s most accomplished backstrokers. She discovered her passion for swimming at the age of 10 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. By 11, she had secured her first national medal, and at just 13, she became the country’s youngest and fastest female backstroker in the 50m, 100m, and 200m events. Her dedication and discipline led her to proudly represent India at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the 100m backstroke—an achievement she considers one of the highest honors of her career.

Maana has consistently balanced her commitment to sport with academic excellence. She achieved 90% in her 10th CBSE board exams and 83% in her 12th Commerce board exams. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) degree from GLS (S.M.P.I.C) University, Ahmedabad, and has furthered her expertise with a Master’s degree in Sports Management.

Beyond her achievements in swimming and academics, Maana is deeply committed to animal welfare. She actively cares for injured and abandoned stray dogs, channeling her compassion into meaningful, hands-on work in her community.

Driven, disciplined, and purpose-led, Maana Patel is focused on making a positive impact both in and out of the water—through sport, education, and service.


Instagram - maana.patel





Interviewed by  Ishika Ahuja