Meet Jehanara!
Aside from the major battles for podium places at the recent World Swimming Championships there are stories of athletes who have achieved so much just to be standing on the pool deck in Fukuoka. One such story is Jehanara Nabi, a 19 year old Pakistani aiming to be the first Pakistani female to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games. Jehanara is currently a World Aquatic Scholarship holder and trains at Thanyapura in Phuket, Thailand, a long way from her home in Pakistan. Jehanara has broken the Pakistan 100m freestyle national record three times, and holds the 400m and 800m freestyle and 200m IM national records. We caught up with Jehanara after competing at Worlds.
FUNKITA: How did you get into swimming?
JEHANARA: My dad taught me how to swim when I was around 3 years old. I took part in a school meet when I was 9, where a scout asked me to join a club and swim for them. Ever since then, I have loved the sport.
FK: What does it mean to hold the World Aquatic Scholarship?
JN: Having this scholarship means a lot, not just to me but to my country as well. Through this scholarship, I am gaining access to elite coaches and training that will help take me to the next level in international swimming. This will help other kids, especially young girls from Pakistan to work hard and follow their dreams as there is nothing that can stop them from achieving them.
FK: You swam the 200m freestyle at Worlds, were you happy with your performance?
JN: I felt very excited to race as I was tapered for the meet however my preparation was not the best. I did have specific goals in mind for the event but unfortunately, I was unable to achieve them this time.
FK: Ok away from the pool for a minute, what’s your favorite hobby outside of swimming?
JN: My favorite hobby is definitely hanging out with my friends at the beach and attempting to play volleyball!
FK: What’s your big swimming goal?
JN: To be the first Pakistani woman to qualify for the Olympics in swimming by either achieving the "A" or "B" cut.
FK: What’s your favourite food?
JN: Definitely a classic Margherita pizza
FK: And fave music?
JN: I like to listen to a little bit of everything and it changes quite often, but my top three songs on repeat recently have been "The Spins" by Mac Miller, "Iridium" by Labrinth and "Popular" by the Weekend
FK: Tell us three funky things about you
JN: I enjoy singing and did it through high school, I have a collection of bucket hats and I'm always on the lookout for new ones to add to the collection, and I met Michael Phelps at the World Championships in Japan and I’m still recovering!
FK: Where will you be travelling, competing or training over the next few months
JN: I will hopefully be heading to Hangzhou, China for the Asian Games in September. I am currently training in Phuket, Thailand till the Games.
Good luck to Jehanara as she continues to train and race her way to Paris and inspire young Pakistani girls to follow their dreams as well.
