Change in mindset helps Benedicton Rohit succeed

CHENNAI: Young Indian swimmer Benedicton Rohit is carving his path to the top, one stroke at a time. The 21-year-old from Tamil Nadu has had a dream run this season, breaking multiple records, the most recent coming at the World University Games.In Germany on Thursday, Rohit became the first from the country to breach the 24-second mark in 50m butterfly, clocking 23.96 seconds to finish 13th in the semifinals. Earlier, in the heats, he had set the best Indian timing of 24.00s. “It was a special feeling as I was surprised after breaking the record twice. Although I broke the record, I could not qualify for the final, which shows that there is still a lot of work to be done.

Overall, India needs to improve, and that will happen gradually,” Rohit told TOI from Germany.

Rohit started the season by winning multiple medals at the National Games. He extended his purple patch at the Senior National Championships, where he went on to break a few national records. Rohit attributed his strong performances to the change in mindset.“My coach Nihar Ameen made me believe that I can do something great.

Even when I did not believe in myself, he guided me and gave me the mental support to become a champion. I focused more on my recovery between training sessions. I realised that recovery has an important role or maybe is more important than the training. I need to work on my technique and correct the minor mistakes to progress,” Rohit, who will compete in100m butterfly at the World University Games on Monday, added.Rohit, who achieved the ‘B’ qualification time in 100m butterfly at the Senior Nationals, has secured a spot at the World Championships for the first time, in Singapore.

Later, Rohit will compete in the Asian Championships in Ahmedabad.“It was my dream to compete at the World Championships, and I am determined to show my full potential. I will clear my mind and avoid thinking about participating alongside the world’s best swimmers, as that would make me nervous. Instead, I will focus on improving from where I was in the past.”