Interview with World Record Skater- Rtr Amit Bhosale

Rotaract Club Of Karad City in association with Neel Writes presents before the interview series of different businesses and occupations of our Rotaract Members. In this interview, we are featuring Rtr Amit Bhosale, a sportsperson sharing his journey of becoming a world record skater and his thoughts behind it.

1. Tell us about your journey to becoming a world record skater?

Answer: Becoming a world record holder is no easy feat and requires a lot of dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Although it's a process of many years of practice.

When I started this journey I never thought to do such things but since I started gaining more interest and those achievements, I later improved the benchmark and achieved those heights.

2. What motivates you to continue pushing the limits of your sport?

Answer: One common motivator is the desire for self-improvement and personal growth. Many athletes are driven by the pursuit of excellence and are constantly seeking to improve their performance, whether that be by setting new personal records, achieving higher levels of skill and technique, or overcoming physical and mental barriers.

Another motivator is the desire to compete and win. Many athletes are driven by a competitive spirit and a desire to be the best in their field. They may be motivated by the challenge of competing against others and the satisfaction that comes with winning.

3. How do you prepare mentally and physically for a competition?

Answer: Preparing for a competition requires a combination of mental and physical preparation.

Mental Preparation:

• Set clear goals: Identity what you want to achieve in the competition and set realistic and specific goals for yourself.

• Visualize success: Visualize yourself performing well and achieving your goals. Imagine yourself feeling confident and focused during the competition.

• Manage stress: Stress can negatively impact your performance. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help manage stress.

• Develop a positive mindset: Stay optimistic and positive. Use positive affirmations to boost your confidence and motivation.

• Focus on the process: Focus on the things that you can control, such as your technique, strategy, and mindset.

Physical Preparation:

• Train regularly: Practice regularly and make sure to include both strength training and cardiovascular exercise in your routine.

• Get enough rest: Make sure you get enough sleep and rest to allow your body to recover from training and reduce the risk of injury.

• Eat a healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and complex carbohydrates to fuel your body for training and competition.

• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after training and competition to stay hydrated and perform at your best.

• Warm-up and cool-down: Always warm up before training or competition and cool down after to prevent injury and aid recovery.

Remember, preparation is key to success in any competition.

4. What was your most challenging moment as a skater, and how did you overcome it?

Answer: Overcoming these challenges often involves a combination of physical training, mental preparation, and perseverance. Skaters may work closely with coaches, sports psychologists, and medical professionals to develop strategies to address their specific challenges.

Injuries, for example, may require physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and flexibility. Performance anxiety can be addressed through techniques such as visualization, breathing exercises, and cognitive restructuring.

Ultimately, overcoming challenges as a skater requires a commitment to continual improvement, a willingness to learn and adapt, and a positive attitude. By staying focused on their goals and working hard to overcome obstacles, skaters can achieve success in their sport.

5. Can you describe your training regimen and how it has evolved over time?

Answer: Skating is a physically demanding activity that requires a combination of strength, endurance, balance, and coordination. A typical training regimen for skating would include various exercises to develop these qualities.

• Strength training is important for skating because it helps build the muscle and bone density necessary to support the body during jumps and other maneuvers. Common strength exercises for skaters include squats, lunges, calf raises, and core exercises such as planks and sit-ups.

• Endurance training is also crucial for skaters, as they need to be able to perform for several minutes at a time without getting tired. Cardiovascular exercises such as running, cycling, or swimming can help improve endurance.

• Balance and coordination training are also important for skating, as skaters need to be able to maintain their balance while performing complex maneuvers on the ice. Exercises such as standing on one leg, balancing on a stability ball, or practising turns on the ice can help improve balance and coordination.

• Skating training can also involve practising specific skating skills such as jumps, spins, and footwork. Skaters typically spend hours each week practising these skills on the ice, often under the guidance of a coach.

6. How do you maintain focus and stay disciplined during training and competition?

Answer: Maintaining focus and staying disciplined during training and competitions requires a combination of physical and mental preparation. Here are some tips that may help:

• Set clear goals: Having a clear idea of what you want to achieve can help you stay focused and motivated. Set specific, measurable, and achievable goals for each training session and competition.

• Develop a routine: Establishing a routine can help you stay on track and maintain discipline. Create a schedule that includes time for warm-up, stretching, training, and recovery.

• Stay present: It's important to stay focused on the task at hand and not get distracted by external factors. Concentrate on your technique and form during training and competitions.

• Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness meditation can help you improve your focus and attention. Practising mindfulness regularly can also help reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being.

• Visualize success: A visualization is a powerful tool that can help you mentally prepare for competition. Imagine yourself performing at your best, and focus on the feeling of success and accomplishment.

• Stay positive: A positive attitude can help you stay motivated and focused during training and competition. Focus on your strengths, and use positive self-talk to stay confident.

• Take breaks: Rest and recovery are important for maintaining focus and discipline. Make sure to take breaks between training sessions and competitions to allow your body and mind to recover.

Remember, maintaining focus and staying disciplined takes time and effort, but with consistent practice, you can improve your performance and achieve your goals.

7. What advice would you give to aspiring skaters looking to follow in your footsteps?

Answer: if you are an aspiring skater, here are some tips that could help you on your journey:

• Practice regularly: Like any skill, skating requires regular practice to improve. Make sure to dedicate enough time to practice and develop your skills.

• Learn the basics: Before you can start performing advanced tricks, you need to master the basics. Spend time learning fundamental techniques like balancing, turning, and stopping.

• Focus on safety: Skating can be dangerous, so it's crucial to take precautions. Always wear a helmet, knee and elbow pads and wrist guards. Don't attempt tricks that are beyond your skill level.

• Watch and learn from others: Observe other skaters, both in-person and online. Watch tutorials and analyze how other skaters execute tricks. This can help you develop a better understanding of the techniques and improve your own skills.

• Have fun: Skating is a fun and creative activity. Don't get too caught up in the technical aspects and remember to enjoy the experience. Allow yourself to be creative and try new things.

8. How do you handle the pressure of performing at such a high level?

Answer: Athletes who compete at a high level often face immense pressure to perform at their best, and this can be very challenging. Here are a few strategies that athletes may use to manage pressure:

• Practice mindfulness: Many athletes find that mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help them stay focused and calm under pressure.

• Visualize success: Visualization techniques can help athletes mentally prepare for high-pressure situations by imagining themselves performing at their best.

• Set realistic goals: Athletes who set realistic goals for themselves are less likely to feel overwhelmed by pressure. By breaking down big goals into smaller, achievable steps, athletes can build confidence and feel more in control of their performance.

• Build a support network: Having a support network of coaches, teammates, family, and friends can help athletes manage pressure by providing encouragement, feedback, and perspective.

• Take care of your physical and mental health: Proper nutrition, sleep, and self-care are essential for athletes to perform at their best and manage pressure effectively. Regular exercise, therapy, or talking to a trusted friend can also be helpful in managing stress and anxiety.

9. Looking forward, what are your goals and aspirations for your skating career?

Answer: Skaters may aspire to compete at higher levels, such as regional, national, or even international competitions. They may aim to earn medals, titles, or qualifying scores for certain events. They may also aspire to perform in professional shows, tour with ice shows, or participate in ice shows with big-name skaters. Some skaters may aim to become coaches, choreographers, or judges in the skating world.

In addition to these goals, skaters often strive to improve their technique, artistry, and athleticism, and to push the boundaries of their sport. They may work on mastering difficult jumps, spins, and footwork, as well as expressing themselves creatively through their performances. They may also prioritize their physical and mental health, seeking out training and resources to support their well-being on and off the ice.