In this episode of the House of Glory podcast we sat down with Rudrankksh Patil, the Indian rifle shooter who was formerly ranked number one in the world. The interview offers an intimate look into the life of an elite athlete, exploring the mental and physical tolls of competition.
The Highs and Lows of a Champion
Rudrankksh’s career has been a rollercoaster of extreme highs and lows. After becoming a world champion and securing a quota for the Paris Olympics, he missed a spot on the Indian team after the trials. He describes this as both a “big kick” and a cherished experience, a testament to the “extreme peak and extreme down” that only sports can provide. To cope with the immense pressure, he developed a unique strategy of lying to himself, focusing on the process rather than the result to stay present and perform his best.
The Physical Toll of Mental Stress
The immense mental stress of his career began to manifest physically, with symptoms ranging from shortness of breath and a constantly high heart rate to psoriasis and panic attacks. Rudrankksh initially was in denial about the mental origin of these issues, only seeking professional advice after the trials were over. This experience highlights the critical link between mental health and physical well-being for athletes.
The Power of a Support System
Rudrankksh credits his family, particularly his parents, as his core support system. He also relies on his coaches, sponsors, and a separate group of non-shooting friends with whom he can talk freely. When it comes to criticism, he is prepared for external negativity, but finds self-criticism to be the most difficult to overcome, as he views it as a disrespect to his hard work.
Starting Over and Finding His Way
After facing these physical and mental health issues, Rudrankksh had to make the difficult decision to start over, returning to basic-level competitions to face his fears. He credits his coach’s encouragement for this brave step. He also acknowledges the crucial role of the Gun for Glory academy, where he has been a member since 2017, for providing the facilities and resources essential to his career.
This podcast episode offers a powerful and honest account of a champion’s journey, reminding us that even the most successful athletes face immense pressure and that a strong mindset and support system are essential for navigating the challenges of elite sports.
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