1. What inspired you to take up swimming at such a young age, and when did you realize it could be a professional career?
Ironically, I was hydrophobic as a child and wanted to stay far from the pool. At the age of nine, while living in Chennai—where summers are unbearably hot—my father took me to a local pool. It was an old-fashioned approach to learning; they just pushed me in! I panicked, cried, and almost gave up. But my father insisted I complete my lessons. Even though I still hadn’t learned much, he continued taking me to the pool just to play and have fun. That’s when I truly started enjoying the water.
I gradually picked up my first strokes from my father and his friends at a pool in Shenoy Nagar. Around that time, I noticed a swimming team training nearby, and it piqued my interest. I asked the coach when I could join, and he told me I could enroll once I could swim a few laps. That was the beginning of my journey—I started training with a small team, then began winning races against my own teammates, which led me to state-level competitions and medals.
The moment I truly realized swimming was my calling was when I had to take a break due to chickenpox. I was restless, desperate to get back in the water. Even while recovering, I kept exercising to stay fit. The day I returned to the pool, I knew there was no turning back. Around the same time, the Barcelona Olympics was airing on TV, and I told my parents, "One day, I want to be there." Eight years later, I made that dream a reality.
2. Representing India as the only female swimmer at the 2000 Olympics must have been a huge moment. What was that experience like?
Representing India at the Olympics was the greatest moment of my life. I had been training for years, and in 1996, I was already a national champion in multiple events. However, no Indian swimmer qualified for the Olympics that year. Instead, an American-born swimmer, who hadn’t even lived in India, got the spot—likely through influence. That moment was heartbreaking, but my parents encouraged me to focus on the future. They told me, "You have four years until Sydney 2000. Give it everything you’ve got. We won't take shortcuts; you have to qualify on merit."
I trained relentlessly for those four years. In the final months of the Olympic qualifying period, I received an International Olympic Committee (IOC) scholarship to train in Australia. Training with world-class sports scientists, dietitians, and top Australian athletes was a game-changer. My coach, Pradeep Kumar, who later received the Dronacharya Award, had already shaped me into a strong competitor.
The defining moment came at the Australian Age Group Championships when I hit the Olympic qualifying time. Seeing my name on the scoreboard was surreal. The best part? Calling my dad and sister back in Bangalore to tell them, “I did it—I’m going to the Olympics.”
3. You held national records for 15 years. What does it take to maintain peak performance for so long?
The Olympics itself was an unforgettable experience. The opening ceremony was awe-inspiring—10,000+ athletes from around the world, united by sport. At just 18, I was among the youngest in the Indian team, alongside Abhinav Bindra and Poulomi Ghatak. Abhinav would go on to win India’s first Olympic gold eight years later.
Being surrounded by legends was surreal. I got to meet Muhammad Ali in the Olympic Village and watch world records being shattered. Swimming my race and winning my heat, with my name flashing on the screen, was an incredible feeling. I didn't make it to the semifinals, but just standing on that Olympic stage was the pinnacle of my career.
As for maintaining peak performance, the key is consistency. I won my first national title in the 200m freestyle at age 12, competing against seniors. Years later, when I retired, my national record still stood. Over time, it was eventually broken—first by a swimmer clocking 2:05, and more recently, a 14-year-old finished in 2:03. That’s progress!
In India, men’s swimming has advanced significantly, but women’s records haven’t improved at the same pace. We need more young female swimmers consistently pushing their limits. While setting records is an achievement, the true goal is to keep raising the bar.
4. What are some of the biggest challenges Indian swimmers face today, and how can they be addressed?
One major challenge is the drop-out rate among young female swimmers. Despite having access to the same coaches and facilities as the men, many girls leave the sport in their teenage years. The reasons vary—academic pressure, lack of professional prospects, or societal expectations.
Another challenge is social media and distractions. While it's great for visibility, young athletes need discipline to stay focused. Many kids experiment with multiple sports, which is fine in the early years. But by age 10 or 11, they should narrow their focus and commit to structured training. Unfortunately, some parents push children too hard at six or seven, while others wait until 13 or 14—both extremes can hinder development.
Academic pressure is another major issue. We expect student-athletes to top both their class and their sport, which is unrealistic. A good balance is key—maintaining a 70%+ academic record while prioritizing training.
Lastly, many parents still see sports as a hobby rather than a career. They need to understand that even if their child doesn’t become an Olympian, sports can open doors to careers in coaching, sports management, psychology, physiotherapy, and more. We need to shift this mindset so more young athletes stay in the sport.
5. Your swimming academy has trained thousands of swimmers. What’s the most rewarding part of coaching?
When I retired from competitive swimming in 2004, I felt a strong urge to give back. My parents had sacrificed so much—they even sold their house to fund my training. Coaching felt like a natural transition. I had always been analytical about technique, and I loved sharing knowledge. But I didn’t just want to train elite swimmers—I wanted to teach at the grassroots level.
That’s how the Nisha Millet Swimming Academy was born. Today, we teach everyone—from toddlers to seniors. We even have students in their 80s learning to swim! The joy of seeing someone overcome their fear and complete their first lap is just as rewarding as coaching a national champion.
Beyond medals, our impact is about safety and confidence. Many of our students can now enjoy vacations by the sea, swim in deep pools, or simply stay fit—all because they learned to swim with us. Knowing we’ve equipped thousands with a life-saving skill is my biggest achievement.
6. If you could change one thing about India’s swimming infrastructure, what would it be?
Infrastructure is a major issue. While cities like Bangalore have seen a rise in swimming pools, access remains limited. Many pools are either poorly maintained or too expensive for aspiring athletes. Unlike cricket, where academies are abundant, swimming lacks structured grassroots programs.
We need more public pools with affordable coaching. In countries like Australia and the US, swimming is part of school curriculums. If India implements a similar approach, we’ll see a surge in young talent.
Additionally, professional opportunities need to expand beyond competitive swimming. If athletes know they can transition into careers in sports science, coaching, or management, they’ll be more likely to stick with the sport.
Ultimately, change requires a collective effort—from the government, private sector, and sports federations. With the right infrastructure and support, India can become a powerhouse in swimming.
7. If you could race against any swimmer in history, who would it be and why?
Without a doubt, it would have to be Michael Phelps. Just because he's a male doesn’t mean I’d want to race against a female instead—he’s simply the greatest of all time. Watching him swim underwater is mesmerizing; his kick is like a motor propelling him forward. His strokes, his mindset, his sheer dominance in the sport—everything about him is inspiring.
But more than racing against him, I’d love to sit down with him, pick his brain, and understand what fuels his motivation. Sure, we’ve all seen his interviews, but meeting a legend in person is something else. Every time I’ve met greats like Leander Paes or Mary Kom, their presence alone has been inspiring. There’s an aura about them—the way they carry themselves, their words, their experiences—that leaves a lasting impact.
And if I ever get the chance to meet Phelps, I’d bring my kids along too. Imagine learning firsthand from the greatest Olympian of all time—not just the greatest swimmer, but the most decorated Olympian in history. That would truly be a dream come true.
Bio:
Nisha Millet, born on March 20, 1982, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, is a renowned Indian swimmer celebrated for her significant contributions to the sport. Over a 16-year career, she amassed over 600 gold medals in national and international competitions. Notably, she was the only woman representing India in swimming at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, competing in the 200m freestyle event.
Interviewed by: Impu Rao
Edited by: Shantanu Singh
.jpeg)
){kind=link}
0 Comments