Nisha Millet-Indian Swimmer

KNOW YOUR SWIMMER: Nisha Millet;India

Nisha Millet, a trailblazer in Indian swimming, made history as the only woman in India’s 2000 Sydney Olympics team and the first Indian woman to meet Olympic B Qualification timings. Known for her dominance in freestyle and backstroke events, she held national records in the 200m and 400m freestyle for 15 years and became the first Indian woman to break the one-minute barrier in the 100m freestyle. With 14 gold medals at the 1999 National Games, her legacy continues to inspire future generations of swimmers.

Nisha Millet: Trailblazing Indian Swimmer

• Birth: 20 March 1982, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
• Specialization: Freestyle and Backstroke events

Key Achievements:

• Only woman swimmer in the 2000 Sydney Olympics team for India, competing in the 200m freestyle.
• First Indian woman to meet the B Qualification timings for the Olympics.
• Held the national records in the 200m and 400m freestyle for 15 years (until 2015).
• First female Indian swimmer to break the one-minute barrier in the 100m freestyle.
• Winner of 14 gold medals at the 1999 National Games, the highest by any Indian athlete in a single edition.
• Won medals at the Afro-Asian Games and SAF Games.

Career Highlights:

• Began swimming at age 9, overcoming a near-drowning experience at age 5.
• Won her first state-level medal in 1992 in the 50m freestyle.
• Represented India at major international events, including:
  • 1998 Asian Games (Thailand)
  • World Championships (1999 in Perth, 2004 in Indianapolis)
• After a back surgery in 2002, narrowly missed qualification for the 2004 Olympics and retired from competitive swimming due to financial constraints.

Awards:

• Arjuna Award (2000)
• Rajyotsava Award (2001)
• Karnataka State Ekalavya Award (2002)
• Prime Minister’s Award for Best Sportswoman at the National Games (1997 and 1999)
• Silver Medal in backstroke at the Afro-Asian Games (2003)

Personal Life:

• Attended Sophia High School, Bengaluru.
• Credits her success to coach Pradeep Kumar at the Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre.
• Member of the Bangalore Political Action Committee (B.PAC).

Nisha Millet is celebrated as a pioneer in Indian swimming, breaking records and inspiring future generations of athletes.