Express, one of the leading newspapers in Mauritius, describes her as "the best Mauritian backstroker of the moment." But Anishta Teeluck has managed to do even more, going well beyond the present. She has achieved this by setting and then breaking national records, one after another. However, the moment makes the difference. The recent achievements of the swimmer with dual Italian-Mauritian citizenship have earned her qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games under the colours of the African nation. This record is historic for her and her country.

Yet, to understand how her love for swimming began, we should travel more than 17 hours by plane from Port Louis – far from the famous white beaches and crystal-clear Mauritian waters. Just reach the pool in Pioltello, about a dozen kilometres east of Milan. "I started swimming here, when I was five years old," says the 23-year-old swimmer. "Almost immediately, my instructor noticed potential in me and recommended competitive swimming. I have always swum in Italy, from provincial championships to the Italian nationals. Then the pandemic came, and something changed."

When everything stops, you have more time to reflect on your path. To understand if it's time to steer the helm and set sail in another direction. That's what Anishta did. "In Italy, I had probably reached the maximum I could achieve. My parents, both Mauritian, had long suggested I swim for my country of origin, where I would certainly find more opportunities. I realized it was time I made my decision."

It wasn't easy, but at the 2022 African Championships in Tunisia, her sacrifices were rewarded with two silver medals in the 100 metres and 200 metres backstroke, both with national records. She improved a record the following year at the World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, followed by a gold medal in the 200 metres backstroke at the Indian Ocean Island Games. "And this year, I hit the jackpot," she smiles. At the African Games in Ghana, the national record in the 200m backstroke dropped again, earning her the gold medal. She claimed the same metal two months later in the same event at the Aquatics Swimming Championships in Angola. "It was tough, especially at the beginning. I had to travel to Mauritius often for competitions. Competing so far from Milan, where I continued to live, train, and study, was challenging." Anishta studies Business and Markets Economics at Università Cattolica’s Milan campus and participates in the Dual Career program dedicated to student-athletes at the University, with scientific collaboration from the Alta Scuola di Psicologia "Agostino Gemelli" (ASAG). "I chose Cattolica because my brother studied here, both for his bachelor's and master's degrees, and he had a great experience. The university gave him many opportunities, so I had no doubts when it was my turn to choose. Now I have only one exam left. I'm preparing my thesis with Professor Daniela Maggioni and want to graduate in September."

But first, there's an appointment along the Seine. The most important 200 backstroke of her life. Wake-up call at 6:30, breakfast, and then off to the pool. The first training session starts at 8 and ends at 10. Then university. Study gives way to sport again around 5 p.m. An hour in the gym precedes the second swimming training of the day, until 8 p.m. "With the call-up for Paris, every single effort has been rewarded." The Olympic dream is at hand. There's still time for one last training session, one last lap, one last stroke. She is the best Mauritian backstroker of the moment. From Pioltello, passing through the Indian Ocean, all the way to Paris.