Sharath Gayakwad: The Making of a Para-Sport Legend

Sharath Gayakwad was born in Bangalore, India, in 1991 with a deformed left hand, a challenge that could have easily deterred a young child from pursuing sports. Growing up in a modest household, Sharath’s parents were initially hesitant to send him for swimming lessons, worried about his ability to cope with physical demands. Yet, at the age of nine, he joined his school’s mandatory swimming classes at Little Flower Public School, a decision that would change the course of his life. Swimming soon became more than a school activity; it became his passion.Discovery and Early TrainingSharath’s talent did not go unnoticed. In 2003, trainer John Christopher spotted him at a school swimming event and took him under his wing, training Sharath intensively for the next seven years. John Christopher recalls Sharath as his first Paralympic swimmer, noting the immense effort required to help him maintain balance and technique due to his deformity. Encouraged by his school and later by Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain College, which offered him fee concessions and support for training, Sharath honed his skills and quickly rose through the ranks of Indian para-swimming.National and International BreakthroughsBy 2008, Sharath was representing India at major national and international events, winning four gold, two silver, and two bronze medals at the IWAS World Games. His consistent performance marked him as one of India’s brightest para-swimming talents. Two years later, at the 2010 Asian Para Games in Guangzhou, China, he won a bronze medal in the 100m breaststroke with a timing of 1:20.90. This performance not only brought him international recognition but also qualified him for the 2012 London Paralympics, making him the first Indian swimmer to achieve a Paralympic qualifying time. In 2011, Sharath further demonstrated his growing prowess by winning one silver and two bronze medals at the International Deutsche Meisterschaften (IDM) Swimming Championships in Berlin. By this time, he had also set Asian records in two events: the 50m Butterfly and 50m Breaststroke. These accomplishments reflected both his extraordinary talent and the years of disciplined training that went into preparing for competitions at the highest level.The 2012 London ParalympicsSharath’s participation in the London 2012 Paralympics marked a historic milestone for Indian swimming. The intense preparation paid off, as Sharath clocked personal best timings in all four events he competed in during the Paralympics. His journey to London was more than a competitive achievement; it was proof of his hard work, the support of his family, and the dedication of his mentors. Perhaps the pinnacle of Sharath’s swimming career came at the 2014 Asian Para Games in Incheon. Despite struggling with a shoulder injury, he achieved a record-breaking feat, winning six medals, more than any Indian athlete at a multi-discipline Asian event at that time. Sharath’s medals included a silver in the 200m Individual Medley (SM8) and bronzes in the 100m Butterfly (S8), 100m Breaststroke (SB8), 100m Backstroke (S8), 50m Freestyle (S8), and the 4x100 Medley Relay. By surpassing the record previously held by Indian athletics legend P.T. Usha, Sharath cemented his legacy as one of India’s finest para-athletes.Transition to MentorshipAfter retiring from competitive swimming in 2014, Sharath did not step away from the sport he loved. Instead, he turned his focus to coaching and mentoring the next generation of swimmers. Today, as the program director of Zee Swim Academy in Bangalore, he trains numerous state and national-level swimmers, instilling in them not just technical skills but the values of resilience, discipline, and self-belief. His journey from a young boy overcoming physical challenges to a decorated international athlete now inspires countless students who walk into the swimming pool seeking guidance, motivation, and hope. As a mentor and coach, he is shaping the future of Indian swimming, nurturing talents who may one day carry forward the torch of India’s para-sport excellence. His life’s journey demonstrates how determination and opportunity, when combined with skill and guidance, can create extraordinary outcomes. Sharath remains a shining example of how sports can empower individuals, transform lives, and inspire an entire nation.