CHENNAI: By the time she turned 20,
Stephanie Rice
had caught global attention by pocketing three gold medals at the 2008 Olympics. Not only did Stephanie clinch a treble in Beijing, she did so in world record timings. In 2012, it was a different story as shoulder injuries thwarted Stephanie from scripting a repeat show in London. Two years later, Stephanie announced her retirement, and today she is a successful entrepreneur. Stephanie, who will be part of the expert panel at Star Sports during
Rio Olympics, spoke to TOI about her tryst with India, life after swimming and more. Excerpts:
After the high of 2008 Games, how tough was it to battle injuries, surgeries and the fact that you couldn't replicate the success four years later?The Beijing Olympics was a huge high where I broke records and went on to win three gold medals. When I look back at it - I feel it's pretty incredible. When I went to London, I had injuries and couldn't add in as many kilometres I would have liked in pool during the training phase. Having said that, I learnt a lot during those years on how to handle setbacks, challenges and injuries.
Most athletes peak in mid-twenties, while in your case you were a global star and were figuring out what you would do next…Yeah, it was difficult because I never really thought about it before. Since the age of 3 or 4, all I wanted to do was to be part of the Olympics. I dreamed about it, prepared for it and was associated with people who were extremely goal-oriented. Once I finished swimming, I took some time to figure out what to do next. I have had ideas such as eating healthy food, exercising, taking care of health and decided to venture that way.
Do you see Michael Phelps
adding more to his medal tally at Rio?I have not followed Michael for the past four years. What he did in Beijing and London was incredible and I would definitely wish him well.
You have been an ace athlete and have now made the transition to being an entrepreneur, co-authoring a health and lifestyle e-book and even forging sponsorship deals with sportswear designers. What keeps you motivated?I was 26 when I stopped swimming. There were so many things I wanted to do in my life and the post-retirement phase has helped me do that. The fact that I was able to travel more, connect with people around the world on a regular is what keeps me motivated.
How do you prepare for the role reversal since not long ago - you were on the other side of pool - being in the arc lights and interviewed?It is extremely exciting. When I interview any athlete, I understand their journey since I have gone through it myself. I may not know them personally, but I know what it takes to be part of the biggest stage in any sport and - it is an honour to be part of the expert panel of Star Sports.
Talk to us about the work you are doing in India and your overall experience here.I love being part of India and I am looking forward to be there again. It was a great opportunity for me to connect with the people, learn the culture of a great nation. I was keen to connect with the people there and share insights on healthy lifestyle, swimming, mentoring etc.
Would you be interested in mentoring the Indian swimmers
?Yeah, of course! I would definitely like to do a workshop - which is maybe for a week or two - mentor them, work on the mindset of the athletes which can benefit them. Those are the aspects I would want to explore along with my coach Michael Bohl.
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