Paris 2024: 'I Just Focused on My Breathing and Kept Calm' - Swapnil Kusale reflects on Olympic Bronze

Add as a preferred source on Google

Swapnil Kusale clinched India's third medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 by winning bronze in the 50m rifle 3 positions event on Thursday. With a total score of 451.4, Kusale secured his place on the podium, marking a significant achievement in his Olympic debut.

The gold medal was claimed by China's Yukun Liu with a score of 463.6, while Ukraine's Serhiy Kulish took silver with 461.3.

Reflecting on his journey and the pressures of competing at such a high level, Kusale shared his thoughts and experiences. When asked about his feelings before the final and how he managed to stay composed, he said, "Like today's event, everybody's heart rate increases, everybody has the same procedure, and everything has to go from there.

"And through that, I also did the same. Like, I am not different. Everything is the same. I have to do the same shoot there. I just focused on my breathing and kept it calm while shooting."

Kusale's resilience and determination were evident, especially considering his previous near-misses. He had consistently placed fourth in past competitions, a fact that many believed would weigh heavily on his mind.

However, Kusale revealed his focused mindset, stating, "I didn't keep anything in my mind, what to keep and what not to keep. I just had to focus on my body and shoot and keep my breathing calm. That's all I focused on."

At one point in the competition, before the standing position, Kusale was in fifth place. He had some time to prepare for the final segment and was asked about his thoughts during that crucial moment.

Kusale responded, "To be honest, I didn't see anything, the scoreboard, who is in which rank, how much is there, how much is not there. The hard work I have done for so many years, the shooting I have done, and I have caught that and shot today. I didn't see the scoreboard, who is in which rank, how much is there, how much is not there. I was shooting with confidence."

Interestingly, despite the intense atmosphere, Kusale chose to focus only on the positive support around him. "I was listening, but I was neglecting that, that no, I don't want to listen to that. I just wanted to hear the voice of the Indian supporters who were behind me. I wanted to see them happy, that's why I was working for that, I was feeling good listening to their voice. And I want to see them happy, so that's what I did," he shared.

Kusale's bronze medal performance was built on his scores in different positions: 153.3 in the kneeling position, 156.8 in the prone position, and 101.5 in the standing position. In the elimination round, he maintained his focus and composure, shooting 10.5, 9.4, 9.9, and 10 to secure the medal.

Reflecting on his past experiences, Kusale emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes and using those lessons to improve. "That thing is past. All the mistakes I have learned in the past, I have learned them and I have come here. And that's what I have corrected here and shot well here. And I forgot the last one, because it's just a medal, and it's a game," he said.

Kusale's journey to this point has been long and filled with challenges. Starting in 2012, he faced setbacks in both the 2016 and Tokyo Olympics but used those experiences to build mental strength.

"Maybe at that time, I wasn't mentally that strong. I learned a lot. Even coaches, the foundation team, and support staff, everyone was with me. And they supported me a lot, emotionally too. So, I am thankful for them also," he acknowledged.

When asked about his routine on the day of the event, Kusale shared, "I didn't eat anything because already my stomach was feeling a bit buttery. I just had a black tea. And I love to drink tea. If I can't drink normal tea, I drink black tea."

Kusale's faith and spiritual practices also played a role in his preparation. "I didn't read, but every time there is a match or competition, on the first night, I just chant with God. And my mom is always with God," he mentioned.

Kusale's achievement is a testament to his perseverance, focus, and the unwavering support of his coaches and team. His success at the Paris Olympics 2024 not only adds to India's medal tally but also serves as an inspiration for future athletes.