Before the Fame: The Untold Story of Milind Soman’s Rise as India’s Swimming Champion
Did you know Milind Soman was India’s national swimming champion for four consecutive years? He is a man of many firsts – India’s first male supermodel, a national swimming champion, and now a global fitness icon.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, he moved to Mumbai at a young age. Struggling to fit in due to his foreign accent, he was often bullied. He found comfort in the swimming pool, and by the age of 10, he had become a state champion.
His dedication to the sport took him all the way to the South Asian Games at 18, where he represented India. He later dominated the 100m breaststroke event, clinching the National Champion title for four consecutive years.
At 23, an unexpected opportunity changed his career forever. A chance photoshoot turned into a modelling career, and soon after, Milind became a household name with his iconic appearance in Alisha Chinai’s ‘Made in India’ music video. For all his fame, running had never been part of the picture, until a spark of curiosity at 37 led him to sign up for his first half marathon.
That single race rekindled his love for sport. Since then, he has taken on some of the world’s most gruelling endurance challenges, including the Ironman and Ultraman. He even ran from Delhi to Mumbai. He is popular for running barefoot, often with his wife, Ankita, and his 85-year-old mother, Usha, making fitness a family affair.
Now 59, he continues to inspire millions with his approach to fitness, proving that healthy living and fun can go hand-in-hand. Whether it is gracing runways or running trails, he shows no signs of slowing down.
He is currently focused on “creating a platform for indigenous sports,” assuring that traditional athletic practices get the recognition they deserve. He has one piece of advice for others: “Never stop challenging yourself.”
Edited by Vidya Gowri
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