Grade 9 student eyes Olympic win
A grade 9 student at The Indian High School, Tanish George Mathew, dreams of competing in the Japan 2020 Olympics and the Commonwealth Games in 2022, and winning the gold medal in swimming at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Thanks to his participation in the Rahhal project, he has been further developing his swimming career, hoping to become an Olympian soon.
He has been part of the Rahhal project since April, and has missed nearly four to five months of school since then. He has been tied up with training and international travel for competitions. However, the school has always been on fullsupport mode and has provided leniency in terms of school work submissions and taking exams.
Tanish, who has already won several medals around the world, told Khaleej Times: “Swimming is normal for me — I’m relaxed and I’m comfortable. I know my surroundings. I feel home, and swimming is life. Thanks to Rahhal, I’m one step closer to my Olympic dream.”
Tanish’s mother, Viji Susan Mathew, said: “For a country, a school, and us parents, we are looking at what the child wants to achieve. In my son’s case, he wants to go to the Olympics and win a medal. That is his dream and we are all here to support him, ensuring that the academic pressure is not coming in the way of his dreams. The Rahhal project in this particular aspect will be helpful not only for my son, but also for those parents who want their children to pursue their dreams. It’s a project that is a blessing for us.”
However, Viji believes that financial support would also be of help for parents who would want to develop their children’s talents through the programme. Aside from paying school fees, she said they also have to pay for “expensive training and international travel” as her son does not have any sponsors yet.
Swimming is life. Thanks to Rahhal, I’m one step closer to my Olympic dream.”
Tanish George Mathew, grade 9 student and swimmer