Bronze medals in the women’s 10m air pistol event and the 10m air pistol mixed team event with Sarabjot Singh, at the Paris Olympics, have made Manu Bhaker a household name. Hailing from Jhajjar, Haryana, the young champion set records by becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting, the first female shooter to reach an Olympic final in an individual event in 20 years and the first athlete from independent India to win two medals at the same edition of the Olympics. And, she is only 22. t2 caught up with the KFC ‘Roll Model’ on her victory, the Olympic journey, the road ahead and her tips for youngsters.

Not one, but two Olympic medals! What does it feel like being Manu Bhaker now?

I was not aware of the records for anything when I won the second medal; my focus was only on the next match which was two days later, but finishing fourth in that was a little disappointing. But on the brighter side, two medals in three matches, reached fantastic qualifications and three fantastic finals for two podium finishes and one fourth place. When I was interacting with the media, they told me that I had made history and that I was the first Indian to win two medals in one Olympic edition. It was a surprise to me. Then they told me how people were reacting, so it made me very happy because I have always been getting so much love and support since my initial days.

There will be critics, but it’s better to focus on the positive side. That’s how I take it, and this time people really loved my performance. I had poured in a lot of hard work so I’m really happy how it all turned out. So many people recognise me and I feel really happy that they watch my matches, they came to the shooting arena also to watch the matches. It was really overwhelming for me, and I appreciate it and love it.

How did you celebrate?

Earlier I was waiting to come back to India and celebrate with my family. Though we had a small celebration with the teammates there itself in the village and the shooting range. So coming back here, and meeting up with my family was the greatest moment. I came back after such a long time and finally met them, so we all celebrated together.

How would you describe the last five-six years of your career, which has seen you achieve stupendous success?

There has been success, but I have also had a few failures, and I would say that failure is something that will teach you much more than victory can. The Tokyo failure, the individual 4th-5th finish in Asian Games, although we got a gold for the team. I think all those experiences taught me a lot and made me the person I am today, but I also know the value of victories. After I lose something then I know how precious the medal is and how precious it is to win for the country. The balance in both makes it feel really special, and that helps me to grow in the sport and as a person.

Who are your idols?

My idols are mostly Indians. Legends like Sachin (Tendulkar) sir, Virat Kohli, (MS) Dhoni sir, and Neeraj (Chopra) and P.V. Sindhu, I look up to them. We have pretty great athletes in our country.

What was the Olympic preparation like?

Training for the Olympics was back-to-back hard work and practice. Following my diet and staying fit was one part, but my major focus was on improving my aim in the sport. I spent a lot of time at the shooting range and trained tirelessly, and I’m happy with how the results turned out.

What did you do to remain calm?

For that my first go-to is music. I have multiple playlists for various moods. Sometimes I listen to Karan Aujla, Diljit (Dosanjh), Arijit Singh, and sometimes instrumentals like a violin, it really helps.

Who did you call first after your medal wins?

I had to go for dope control before I could call anybody, that took a lot of time and then I had to go for the media interactions. By the time I went back and got a chance to call my mom, dad and brother, tab tak toh I was so tired the conversation went like ‘hi…bye’.

What do you think these Olympic medals have done to your mindset?

These medals have made me believe that if we put in the hard work, we can achieve whatever we put our heart into. It’s just a matter of hard work and courage, and it has made me believe I can do even better in the future. I worked really hard for this and I got the results.

Now that you are a KFC ‘Roll Model’, tell us are you big on rolls?

Well, the first thing I tried when I came back to India was the KFC Spicy Veg Roll, and I must tell you I totally loved it! So yes you can say I am definitely a fan of the KFC Spicy Veg Roll now.

What is your favourite kind of food?

My first go-to would be aloo parathas by mumma, and then my new favourite is KFC’s Indian Spicy Veg Roll. I also like jalebi, but I’m not allowed to eat a lot of sugar so have to keep that in check. I also like sushi and sometimes a little Japanese, Italian, and Mexican.

What’s your diet like?

I have been following a strict diet for years now. I have a nutritionist, and she makes a meal plan for me. From supplements to what I need to eat in a day, my protein intake, and carbs intake. She has a check on everything. She takes note of my recovery and rest too. I am allowed one cheat meal every 15-20 days. Not like I can eat everything, but just a little bit.

What are your hobbies?

I have quite a few hobbies, I really like to play violin, and I also play different types of sports and being regular and active in the gym. I enjoy everything.

What is your message for youngsters?

My message would be more for the parents to support their children, give them options to explore, and then wherever they excel you can support them in it. In today’s world, there can be a career in almost everything. Dedication, honest hard work, and consistency can take you places, it will definitely give you success. You just have to be patient and consistent, do not give up.

What remains a dream?

My eyes are on the Olympic gold.