Gaurika Singh is a prominent Nepali swimmer who has made significant strides in international competitions, earning recognition as one of Nepal’s most decorated athletes.
🏊♀️ Early Life and Background
Born on November 26, 2002, in Kathmandu, Nepal, Gaurika began swimming at the age of eight. She hails from Bhimdutta Municipality, Kanchanpur, and currently resides in London, where she trains at the Camden Swiss Cottage Swimming Club under coach Adam Taylor . Her father, Dr. Paras Singh, a urologist at the Royal Free Hospital, has been a steadfast supporter of her career .The Guardian+3Wikipedia+3Fair Nepal+3Wikipedia+3The Guardian+3BBC News+3
🏅 Olympic Appearances
2016 Rio Olympics: At just 13 years and 255 days old, Gaurika became the youngest athlete to compete at the Rio Olympics. She participated in the women’s 100m backstroke, winning her heat with a time of 1:08.45 but did not advance to the semifinals, finishing 31st overall .BBC News+3Fair Nepal+3Wikipedia+3
2020 Tokyo Olympics: In her second Olympic appearance, Gaurika set a new national record in the 100m freestyle with a time of 1:00.11, although she did not qualify for the semifinals Nepal News.
🏅 South Asian Games Achievements
Gaurika has been a dominant force in the South Asian Games:
2016 South Asian Games: She secured one silver and three bronze medals across various events.
2019 South Asian Games: Gaurika made history by winning four gold medals in a single edition, marking a significant milestone for Nepali swimming. She also clinched two silver and three bronze medals, becoming the most decorated athlete of the Games .Fair Nepal
🏆 National Records and Recognition
Gaurika holds multiple national records in Nepal and has been instrumental in elevating the country's presence in competitive swimming. In 2019, she became the first Nepali swimmer to win an individual gold at an international competition, clinching the 200m freestyle at the South Asian Games with a time of 2:05.06 .BBC NewsKathmandu Post+1Fair Nepal+1
Her achievements have garnered international recognition, including being named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2021 list in the Entertainment & Sports category .OCA+1Wikipedia+1
🌍 Personal Life and Advocacy
Beyond her athletic endeavors, Gaurika is committed to social causes. She serves as a goodwill ambassador for the Shanti Education Initiative Nepal (SEIN), aiming to support educational initiatives in her home country .Wikipedia+1Fair Nepal+1
For more insights into her journey and achievements, you can watch the following interview: