Nirin: What made you become a triathlon athlete?
Anu: As a student in the US, I took up cycling and running to beat the cold winters and stay fit. Later, I also took to swimming and realised it was easy to train myself in the three fields required for triathlon.
N: It must be difficult to find sponsors...
A: It is certainly very difficult, in fact, so far I have managed to get only two sponsors — Timex and Booster Juice. It is normally tough to find sponsors for sporting professionals in my field. As far as support from the authorities is concerned there has been nothing at all.
N: What are the hurdles for such a sport in India?
A: There is not enough infrastructure to support the sport. One needs either isolated places or a big enough space to train in cycling and running. And as I mentioned before, there is no help from the
authorities.
N: Is that why you’re also running your own business? How do you balance both?
A: My day begins as early as 3.30am. Even while I am travelling I make sure that my company does not suffer. My company deals with intellectual property matters. While the triathlon is considered a lifestyle sport by many, I am not a lifestyle athlete and have had my share of injuries. But I am not complaining, as it is my decision. I am setting an example for others in both domains even if I have to go that extra mile.
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