Tamil Nadu - Chennai   

He swam his way to fame

Karthik Subramanian

RIGHT STUFF: Jayanth Vijayakumar who made a splash at a swimming contest in Jaipur. — Photo: S. Thanthoni

CHENNAI: Eleven-year-old Jayanth Vijayakumar, a student of Chettinad Vidyashram, has been able to convert his free swimming lessons at the renovated Marina swimming pool complex into a award-winning experience.

The class VI student bagged the individual championship award at C.B.S.E (Central Board of Secondary Education) swimming competitions held in Jaipur early this month. He is one of 10 city students selected for free swimming coaching programme run by Chennai Corporation at the swimming pool.

The Chennai Corporation officials at Ripon Buildings felicitated him on Tuesday along with the civic-agency appointed coach M. Muniyandi.

As the official Corporation photographer clicked the champion along with Corporation officials, Jayanth's father, actor `Thalaivasal' Vijay, was beaming, happy that his introvert son was getting some well-earned share of the limelight.

"I have always wanted to be a sportsperson but never had proper guidance. I am happy that my son is getting such encouragement," Vijay said. His wife Rajeshwari was also present to see her son being felicitated.

The actor says he discovered his son's prowess three years ago when he sent him for a summer camp. Ever since, Jayanth has been practising hard under the watchful eyes of Mr. Muniyandi, even if it meant turning up at the swimming pool at 6 a.m. be it rain or shine. The youngster says his greatest inspiration has been his grandfather, his father and coach. His swimming heroes are Ian Thorpe and Michael Phelps.

Jayanth currently clocks 32 seconds in freestyle 50-metre race and 38 seconds in backstroke event. Mr. Muniyandi feels that Jayanth could become the national junior champion next year if he trained hard. That should not be a problem because Jayanth takes to the Marina swimming pool like a fish to water.

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