TSC’s Ravi Mandapaka caught up with Suvalagna Chandra, an athlete and a swimmer turned author.
Chrissie Wellington once said, “Some sessions are stars, and some sessions are stones, but in the end, they are all rocks, and we build upon them.” Well, one thing that everyone should keep in mind is this: every athlete we come across is an individual in his/her self, and that a trainer/coach should never burden the athlete with their thought process. An effective way of helping an athlete grow in the profession is gaining an insight into the individuals they are, and deducing a coaching plan applicable to the very individual self.
Suvalagna Chandra
Ravi: Thank you for accepting our invitation for an interview! How do you define athletics, and what do you most enjoy about it? If I may ask you, what significant similarities/subtle differences have you found between cycling, marathon, and swimming?
Suvalagna: Athletics, in my opinion, are exercises involving physical skills or capabilities such as running, swimming, cycling, etc. Cycling, marathon, and swimming come under the category of sports. On the other hand, swimming is a refreshing sport since there is the involvement of water in it. It is a summer sport whereas both marathon and cycling are winter sport and take away a lot of amount of energy. Swimming requires whole body participation. Marathon and cycling use mainly legs.
Ravi: What have been your major highlights/achievements in athletics and, what do you feel are your main strengths in athletics?
Suvalagna: Well, so far, I have achieved five marathon medals with a 6th one on the way! My willpower and agenda to achieve more are my main strengths in athletics.
Ravi: What would be a successful season in swimming for you? Is it by the medals you won or by the training regime you put, which helped your body to cope with the stress and pain of professional competition?
Five medals!
Suvalagna: It is the training regime I’ve put that helped my body to cope up with the stress and pain of professional competition.
Ravi: Swimming is all about confidence. What improvements did you make to your training schedule and daily routine to become more confident? If asked, what would you prefer among 1500 Free and 800 Backstroke, and why?
Suvalagna: Swimming is not only about confidence. Let me tell you that it requires a considerable amount of aerobic training. I take part in summer swimming competitions, and I train myself every day before the competition for one hour each day. This schedule boosts my level of confidence. I would prefer the 1500 free stroke because I learnt it much before I learnt backstroke, and I learnt it quite better. And I tend to love the first things in life.
Ravi: For a first-time marathoner, it is imperative to be in shape and have an ideal weight. How, according to you, can one loses weight and be in shape while they train for half marathon?
Suvalagna: You need to hit the gym at least three days a week and do some weight training to stay slim and fit for half marathon. Other than that, you have to walk every day if not run so that you stay motivated for the races.
Her book
Ravi: Your book “Wandering Words” is one intriguing one. You call it ‘diversified literature.’ Any insights you would want to give to our readers about your book?
Suvalagna: My book is mostly about poems. It also contains social and political articles that I wrote for an online newspaper.
Ravi: How do you see the modern-day situation of athletics at a domestic level in our country?
Suvalagna: We need to improve a lot more in athletics, unfortunately. Only cricket won’t do.
Ravi: Lastly, what message would you give to the younger generation about ethics and character?
Suvalagna: Be honest to yourself. Dedicate yourself to whatever you are interested in. Don’t do anything which harms others & which is against your conscience.
