Basavanagudi boy makes splash for London

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There were no international standard pools or heated water at the Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre to tide through the chilling winter mornings. Yet, what 18-year-old Saurabh Sangvekar had in abundance was raw energy, a rock-solid support system, determination and the will to overcome gruelling conditions. On Tuesday, as the Thane-born freestyle specialist eased through the Olympic ‘B’ qualifying mark, he also ushered in a new era in India swimming, becoming the first Indian to make the Olympic cut in a long distance event.

At the Singapore National Open event, Sangvekar collected a gold clocking 15:34.67, which was well under the 15:43.74 mark for the invitation entry. Speaking after the event, an elated Sangvekar, who is the national 1500M record-holder said, “I’m thrilled to have made the cut. Like every sportsperson, I’ve dreamt of making it to the Olympics and feel all the sacrifices have been worth it.”

Although Sangvekar has booked his London ticket, his journey to the London Aquatics Centre will be decided by the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA), the world governing body of the sport, which has put a cap of 900 swimmers for the London Games. Given Sangvekar’s timing, he’s almost certain to make it to the starting line. Also, considering that in the previous three editions of the quadrennial event, the number of swimmers has been 954, 937 and 930, respectively, Sangvekar’s entry is a significant milestone.

Standing tall at 5’10”, Sangvekar, who shifted base to Bengaluru in December 2010, has been training in the city since the age of 11. Although Sangvekar aimed to qualify in the 200M freestyle and the 1500M freestyle event, his coach Pradeep Kumar decided he had a better chance of qualifying in the long distance event, a decision, which was amply rewarded. Kumar heaped praise on the Thane-born youngster who celebrated his 18th birthday on Monday. “Like other swimmers training to qualify for the Olympics, Saurabh put in a lot of effort in making the mark. All the winter training, the suffering and struggle in the ice-cold water has paid off”.