Slambook: Daniel Paul J
Daniel Paul J of Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre fills out the SwimmingDrive Slambook — on his national record in the 200m breaststroke, self-belief as his biggest inspiration, and why swimming only looks easy from the outside.
NR
200m Breaststroke, SGFI Nationals 2025
3 yrs
Age Started
2:15
Goal — 200m Breast
BAC
Basavanagudi AC
🏊 In the Water
Best Swim Meet Memory
His first state medal, at the 2019 state meet.
Most Memorable PB
National Record
200m Breaststroke — SGFI Nationals 2025
Hardest Set Conquered
24 × 100m breaststroke on 1:30
Favourite Pool
🌋 Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre, Bengaluru
Dream Competition
🏅 Olympics · Commonwealth Games 2030 · Asian Youth Games · Asian Games
Swim Goals for the Future
Going a 2:15 in the 200m breaststroke next year
Secret Events to Try
🏃 50 Freestyle & 200 Butterfly
🧠 The Mind
Swimming Inspiration
Himself
His biggest competition is his own last best time.
Pre-Race Ritual
Cracking jokes in the call room to shake off the nerves.
Swim Superstition
Always gets a swim in before the race.
😄 Off the Blocks
Favourite Food Indulgence
🍕 Pizza, KFC, or Corner House
Favourite Swim Gear
Cap, goggles, and race suit
Go-To Pump-Up Song
🎵 Depends on the mood
Early Morning Practice
Love it — he’s a morning person ☀️
Funniest Thing at Swim Camp
A friend cracked him up mid-lap, and he couldn’t stop laughing while still swimming.
Hobbies Outside Swimming
🎬 Watching movies
If Not a Swimmer?
🏉 Go-karter or footballer
❤️ Heart of the Sport
One Thing Non-Swimmers Should Know
Swimming looks easy — but when you have a goal, nothing about it is easy.
What Swimming Taught Him That School Never Could
Determination, discipline, and to never give up.
Best Advice for Beginners
Enjoy the process. Don’t take it too competitively.
To a Younger Daniel
“Be smart, hardworking, and don’t give up until the end — you’ll get what you want. Hang on tight.”
— Daniel Paul J | Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre, Bengaluru
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