Road to Rio: Young swimmer Sajan Prakash can gain valuable experience from Olympics 2016

Name: Sajan Prakash Age: 22 Discipline: Swimming Category: 200m Butterfly Qualification: The Swimming Federation of India selected Sajan Prakash to represent India at the 2016 Rio Olympics through the Universality rule, which allows two spinners to participate provided the they have participated in the last World Championship. Strengths: Sajan Prakash’s greatest strength is his versatility which has helped him create national records and win medals. Past Olympic performance: Debut Past record: Gold medal at the 2014 National Games - Six gold medals in the 2015 National Games of India Rio Prospects: While the expectation of an Olympic medal, or even a place in the final, from the rookie swimmer will be implausible, but  he will be hoping for individual improvement. If he betters his own time and advances from the heats, it will be a monumental experience for his future. [caption id=“attachment_2920274” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Sajan Prakash. Image Credit: Facebook[/caption] Sajan Prakash, like most swimmers around the world, looks up to Olympic legend Michael Phelps, and now might just compete against his idol at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The 22-year-old swimmer will represent India at his first Olympics, after he was selected by the Swimming Federation of India ahead of experienced swimmers like Sandeep Sejwal and Virdhawal Khade, who have both participated at the London Olympics. The young swimmer, who comes from Kerala, came into the spotlight in early 2015 when he created history by winning six gold and three silver medals at the National Games of India. He is also a national record holder in 200m butterfly and 1500m freestyle swimming. This, and the fact that the youngster has a FINA scholarship, helped secure his Rio berth. He was selected through the Universality rule, which allows one male and one female competitor, who have in the last World Championship, to qualify, according to a report by ESPN. Five male swimmers from India had participated in the qualifying event in Hong Kong, but all of them failed to achieve the ‘A’ qualification mark to secure direct entry to the Olympics and managed to make the ‘B’ cut. Due to the absence of a swimmer with an OQT (‘A’ time), India was awarded Universality places by FINA, continues the report. Interestingly, Prakash was chosen ahead of Sejwal, who has the maximum FINA points. However, Prakash made the ‘B’ cut in three events, the 400m freestyle, 1500m freestyle and 200m butterfly, according to News18. While his national record is strong, it is nowhere close to the international standards. He will need to up his game considerably if he is to stand a chance at Rio competing with some of the best internationals. A medal hope, therefore, may be unlikely. However, the Olympic experience at such a young age is sure to benefit him and even if he makes it to the semis, it will give him a major boost. With agency inputs