SA triple Olympian takes inspiration from Sachin

Indian batting icon Sachin Tendulkar not only inspires budding cricketers around the world but he is also a source of inspiration for South Africa's world record holder swimmer Roland Schoeman.

"I am very fond of cricket and Sachin is my favourite. In fact I take a lot of inspiration from him. Sachin, Lara (Brian) and (Micheal) Phelps are kind of players who have the capability to inspire athletes of any discipline. They can unite the nation as well," Schoeman told 'PTI-Bhasha'.

Schoeman is the current World record holder in the short-course 50 meters freestyle, with a time of 20.30 seconds.

He has won a gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens in the 4x100 m freestyle, a silver medal in the 100m freestyle event and a bronze in the 50m freestyle.

He also claimed two gold medals in 2006 Melbourne Olympics. After that, he faced some lows in his career but is confident of making a mark in the 2012 London Olympics.

"In this case also I will give the example of Sachin. He is playing for the last two decades and still has the same passion. Every athlete has highs and lows in his or her career and I am no exception. My target is London Olympics 2012 and I am not going to retire before that," he said.

On his first visit to India, Schoeman had two secret desires but he has to come back to fulfill them.

u00a0"I wanted to visit Taj Mahal and the other desire is to meet Sachin, who is playing in India right now. But I have to rush to Beijing to participate in the second leg of the FINA World Cup. I am going the day my competition ends. But I will come back to this beautiful country again for sure," he said.

He also wishes to guide Indian swimmers in future as a consultant. "I have seen Indian swimmers who have trained in Victoria, South Africa.

They are very talented but need guidance. I would love to give some tips to them as a consultant," said the iconic swimmer.