London, England, July 6, 2021: South Asian swimming star Gaurika Singh has paid a heartfelt tribute to her coach as she completes her preparations for Tokyo 2020, describing him as "unbelievable, caring and amazing".
The 18-year-old Nepali swimmer, who lives in London, posted a photograph of herself and coach Adam Taylor at the Camden Swiss Cottage Swimming Club.
“Thank you wouldn't suffice,” she said.
“He is the person responsible for me winning all the medals for Nepal at the South Asian Games. He has made it possible for me to be the best version of myself.
“His knowledge, selfless dedication and professionalism is unbelievable. I am so very grateful and honoured to have spent the last few years training under him.
“Covid meant our training was severely disrupted but what we have been able to achieve in a relatively short time together speaks volumes about him. He has made me fall in love with swimming all over again. I couldn't have been blessed with a more caring and amazing coach.”
The post quickly gained 11,000 Likes and almost 200 comments wishing her all the best at Tokyo. She is so popular that her Facebook account has 386,000 followers.
Gaurika was the youngest athlete at Rio 2016, at 13 years and 255 days, and competed in the women’s 100m backstroke.
Her record in the South Asian Games is outstanding, having won four gold, three silver and six bronze medals at two editions in 2016 and 2019 – the latter in Kathmandu.