Bengaluru: In a move that sees genuine steps being taken to push India closer to Olympic glory, Speedo, the world's leading swim brand, today announced their 'Team Speedo for India' in Bengaluru along with Olympian Nisha Millet, who will act as a mentor to the nine young swimmers part of 'Team Speedo'.
Under the brand of 'Team Speedo' are the following swimmers: India's Rio 2016 hopeful Aaron D'Souza, the fastest Indian female swimmer Aditi Dhumatkar, Ananya Panigrahi who represented India in the 2013 FINA World Championships, South Asian Games gold medallist Damini Gowda, accomplished National Championship medallist Trisha Karkhanis, Ansh Arora who participated in the 2015 World School Games in Poland, Madhu PS who won 2 gold medals at the South Asian Games, and Arvind Mani who represented India at the 2014 FINA World Championships.
In addition to encouraging the swimmers' efforts towards qualifying for the next edition of the Olympics in 2020, Speedo India will also sponsor the athletes to ensure they reach greater heights.
The 'Speedo Fastskin LZR Racer X' range has been developed in conjunction with competing swimmers and coaches to arrive at an optimum blend of comfort and speed for the swimmers. Abiding by FINA's new regulations and guidelines in 2010, this is Speedo's most advanced swimwear technology combining the freedom of movement in water along with maximum opportunity to capitalise on hydrodynamics. The 9 swimmers will reap the benefits of an enhanced look and feel of the 'Speedo Fastskin Racing System', which comprises of the Fastskin LZR X, Fastskin 3 cap and the Fastskin Super Elite Goggles, allowing for increased mobility and greater speed.
While swimming has seen a shift in perception over the years putting India on the map through medals at the Asian and Commonwealth Games, Nisha Millet believes that this group of young swimmers have the ability to shine on the biggest stage of them all, the Olympics. "The youngsters who are a part of Team Speedo are hungry and determined to push harder than anyone else to get to that final stage. For them, being part of Team Speedo is another step in their quest to gain Olympic glory for India and one key component of that is training and racing with the right swimwear. I believe that the innovation brought out by Speedo India will help them achieve their goals and take them a step further." said Nisha Millet, who will also be mentoring the aforementioned swimmers on their journey.
Speedo is the world's leading authority on swimwear and swim gear with world class athletes such as Ryan Lochte and Missy Franklin endorsing their products as they take centre stage at the Rio Olympics this August. With the legends of the sport vouching for the quality and integrity of the product, it comes as no surprise that these young swimmers are excited about trying out their new kit in a competitive environment.
Shamir Genomal, Chief Strategy Officer, Speedo India is highly optimistic about the success of 'Team Speedo' along with their new line of swimwear that is both designed for both, competition and leisure. "Team Speedo sees some of India's brightest swimming talent merged with a winning formula through our Fastskin Racing System that is designed to provide the swimmer with optimum efficiency once they dive into the pool. We want to be a part of the creation of the next Ryan Lochte of India and we hope that Team Speedo will bolster that process." Concluded Shamir on the aims of Team Speedo.