This is a special, special post. Not only does Aditi happen to be someone I casually know IRL (she’s my close friend Om’s younger sister) but she’s also just casually a trailblazer – an accomplished athlete completely focused on bringing glory to the nation. I’ve seen her chill at home with no airs displaying a rather wacky sense of humour that she and her siblings are known for and I’ve also seen her athletic pursuits make national headlines (Big Deal Alert!) I’ve marvelled at her discipline and thought it quite apt to cover this international level swimmer, national gold medalist and national record holder on my blog under this wonderful section called #RealGirlsRock where I feature the brave and bold women who inspire me. She’s currently training for the trials of the Asian Games coming up in June, but she let me pick her beautiful mind for a little bit. Needless to say, the interview went swimmingly. Read on 🙂
If you weren’t this awesome-athlete-lady, what would you be?Â
A sports psychologist or sports blogger
Tell us one thing about yourself that no one knows.
I absolutely love Game of Thrones! Dracarysssss!
What’s your favourite brand?
Speedo
One thing you would never endorse?
Anything that I don’t personally use.
Tell us where your love for the water was born.
As a child I accompanied my mother to the pool, where my sister would train, she was a swimmer and I was simply the younger sibling that wanted to do what she was doing!
Any advice for those who want to become athletes?Â
Don’t be fooled by the glamour or fame, it’s a very tough road to success, but if you’re willing to be disciplined and dedicated, you will reach your goals. So basically to just be mentally prepared for the road that it will take you on.
What’s the toughest part of your profession?
Having your results affected by circumstances that are beyond your control like sickness or injury.
What keeps you motivated?
Knowing that I haven’t achieved my best performance till date.
Is there glamour in sports?
Yes definitely and I think it’s good because it comes with achievement.
Best piece of advice you ever got…
Do your best and leave the rest to the universe.
Describe your personal style in one line…
Comfort over everything.
What would you tell a young girl who’s not too sure what career path she wants to take?
To make sure she doesn’t regret any decision she takes now 10 years down the line.
What’s your idea of unwinding?
Good music, good book or a good tv series. Sometimes if I want to unwind for an extended period I like taking a vacation.
What feeds your soul?
The pursuit of excellence.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjRj1iqFtCY/?taken-by=aditidhumatkar
How addicted are you to social media?
More than I should be, but I can cut off when need be.
Can you give one useful tip for us mere mortals that lack discipline…
Don’t beat yourself up, just make sure you do enough to stay healthy mentally and physically!
What’s your take on feminism?
To me feminism means equality, it doesn’t mean demeaning the other side.
One misconception people have about athletes…
That we have it easy; it’s actually a very physically, emotionally and financially demanding line of work.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiwHgG2Fxe9/?taken-by=aditidhumatkar
Someone you look up to?
Rafael Nadal, he just defines perseverance and turning every setback into a comeback, for me.
One thing that “growing up” has taught you…
That you’ll never have it all, so be happy with that you have rather than focussing on what you don’t.
One thing that travelling has taught you…
That there’s so much more to life than what we surround ourselves with daily.
Your proudest moment so far…
Racing at the national championships within less than 7 weeks of being diagnosed with dengue. It changed me as a person and honestly made me believe I could do anything I set my mind to.
What does being a Real Girl mean to you?
Being true to who you are, without being influenced by social media or false body images. To be able to own your choices and stand up for them without being repressed by those around you.
YAAASSSS! What-a-woman, water woman 🙂 I wish you the best in all your future endeavours. Thank you for this interview. Keep makin’ em splashes and do us all proud.
ALSO READ:Â #RealGirlsRock: In Conversation With The Filmy Owl
#RealGirlsRock: In Conversation With Blogger Turned Tarot Reader Zohra Shanti (Karishma Rajani)