Nisha disappointed, but looking ahead

BANGALORE, SEPT. 28. After nine months of training in Perth, capped by her participation in the Olympics, Nisha Millet, the Indian swimming ace, returned home disappointed with her display at the Sydney Games. But she was doubly determined to improve her performances.

Nisha told The Hindu, ``It was disappointing because I am capable of doing a much better time.``

Nisha, who competed in the 200m freestyle heats in the Olympics said, ``I expected a much better time, given the amount of effort and training I had put in. But drawn in one of the slowest heats, I was unable to push myself as there was none to pace me. Moreover, heats held in the morning always produce poor results compared to those in the afternoon. This was true of most of Australian swimmers also. The 200 race was so tough that only those who clocked 2:01 could qualify for the semifinals.''

Nevertheless, swimming in the Olympics was a great experience for her. ``You learn how much more there is to achieve when you watch the world class swimmers around you,'' said Nisha.

Though all of them failed to deliver, Karnam Malleswari's bronze had lifted the spirits in the Indian camp. ``Most of us were there cheering for her, I wish a few of us had emulated her,'' said Nisha.

``I would like to put this show behind me and strive harder. I am not swimming in the senior Nationals, but I plan to participate in the Afro-Asian championship next year and in the Australian senior championship, which comes up in March 2001. I hope to clip my time and bring it to the international level by those two meets,'' said Nisha.

Besides the 200m freestyle, she will now concentrate on the 50, 100 and 400m freestyle events and the backstroke. The Indian swimmer, who is training at Perth City Club under Australian coach Bernie Mulroy, said that after resting for a month at home, she intended to return to Perth and continue training for another nine months, possibly with a SAI scholarship, which is under consideration. The IOC Solidarity scholarship had lasted her till the Olympics and she needs fresh funding to continue her training.

- Our Special Correspondent

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