Fuel the Olympic Fire: How sailor Vishnu Saravanan is gearing up for maiden Olympics in Tokyo
Vishnu Saravanan will train for 28 days in Malta ahead of Tokyo 2020
At 6'2", laser standard class sailor Vishnu Saravanan will be the tallest in the Indian sailing contingent that is set to represent the country at Tokyo 2020. His body weight of 82 kg also plays to his advantage, in manoeuvring a 59 kg boat, while sitting at its edge and leaning his torso at a difficult angle.
Mumbai-based Saravanan is focused very much on his physique and has paid special attention to his diet ahead of Tokyo 2020. Moreover, the discipline demands rigorous training and the sailors lose plenty of calories on a daily basis during the same.
And as we head closer to Tokyo 2020 which will be a launch pad for the 22-year-old, let us have a look at how he is putting on the muscle weight and getting in the best shape for his maiden Olympics.
What does a sailor eat while training?
Saravanan, the youngest Indian sailor to make a cut for Tokyo 2020, looks at the discipline as a marathon event rather than a sprint.
He reveals that sailors lose at least 3000 calories every day and thus have to eat double the number of calories to stay fighting fit.
"I'm in the gaining process (in this season), so everyday I put on weight. Two months before any championship, I focus on my diet, have two eggs with sausages, bread and milk in the morning. Then after my morning gym session, I have a protein shake," he told Olympics.com.
"In sailing (due to practice), we lose around 3000 calories every day and we need to gain it. So I eat a lot of pasta and chicken. For lunch, I'll have half-a-kilo chicken and try to have dinner as early as possible," he added.
Coping with food in Europe and craving for Indian meals
Saravanan has spent his last two years in Malta, at the Sail Coach Academy, and trains under the academy's founder Trevor Millar. He will return to train in Europe for 28 days as the Sports Ministry’s Mission Olympic Cell has approved his proposal.
His diet will also change a bit on the European soil as he is fond of lasagna, stew and steak.
"It is always different when I'm in Europe. I would have lasagna or any other European dish. Trevor (Millar) tells me how to work (on the diet). Stew and steak (red meat) is something I'm fond of," Saravanan said.
He, however, admits that he misses home-made food while staying away from his family. Interestingly, sugar and salt, are among the least used ingredients at his home as his family doesn't consider it good for health. But dosa, a South Indian staple, is something that Saravanan never misses out on whenever he's in India.
"I like tasty food. Indian food as well, as it has more spices. I miss mom's food. And dosa is my favourite Indian food to have," he said.
"I love chocolates but before the events, I stop. It is not easy to do so. But I haven't had it for months now."
Saravanan sealed his Olympics berth by finishing second in the Laser Standard Class at the Mussanah Championships in Oman in April. He will be looking to do the country proud when racing gets underway at Enoshima Yacht Harbour on July 25th.