Making Waves: A Deep Dive with Olympian Srihari Nataraj

In the world of competitive swimming, every millisecond counts. For Olympian Srihari Nataraj, those seconds are built on a lifetime of discipline, a supportive community, and a love for the water that started before he could even ride a bike.

We recently sat down with the international swimmer and MBA student at JAIN (Deemed-to- be University) for a rapid-fire session to learn what makes a champion tick.

From Toddler to Titan

Most kids are just learning to navigate a playground at age two, but for Srihari, the pool was already calling.

"Pool life began at two and a half," Srihari recalls.

Inspired by his brother’s swimming and encouraged by his mother, he didn't just join the sport, he embraced it. Today, that early start has translated into a gruelling training schedule of 4 to 6 hours a day. It’s this level of dedication that transformed a young boy in Bengaluru into a world-class athlete representing India on the biggest stage.

The Heart of a Competitor

When you are swimming at an Olympic level, the pressure is immense. Yet, when asked about his toughest competitor, Srihari’s answer reflects a focused mindset: he doesn't dwell on the opposition. Instead, he focuses on the craft.

• Favorite Stroke: Freestyle and Backstroke
• The Unforgettable Race: The 100m Backstroke at the Olympics
• Proudest Moment: The Asian Championships held in late 2025

Balancing Academics and Athletics

It’s not just about the laps in the pool. Srihari is also pursuing his MBA, proving that the discipline required for elite sports translates perfectly into the classroom. He credits much of his ability to balance these two worlds to the support system at JAIN (Deemed-to-be University).

"JAIN has been very supportive and played a very big role in my career," he says, highlighting the importance of an institution that understands the unique needs of an international athlete.

Watch the Full Interview

Want to know more about Srihari’s journey, from his favorite stroke to the one career moment he’d love to relive? Check out our rapid-fire interview below!

What’s Next for Srihari?

With his eyes set on future international podiums and his MBA studies in full swing, Srihari Nataraj continues to be an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country. He proves that with the right support and an early start, there are no limits to how far you can go.