Rohini Rau
sailor-actor, 22

Hometown: Chennai.

So far: Asian Sailing Championship gold (2004), silver in one race at the Laser Radial European Championship (2009), India’s first international medallist (bronze) in a women’s Olympic class (Slovenia, 2009)

Gunning for: The Olympics in London 2012.

A day in the life: I sail as professionally as any Indian is capable of. I just attended an exclusive camp in Perth, Australia, as one of the only 11 athletes selected to train under Belinda Stowell (gold medallist at Sydney 2000) and Arthur Brett (Olympic coach 2008). We went to the gym and sailed three-hour sessions on the water five days a week. I am also a third-year medical student in Chennai, so this routine is hard to follow. I usually spend five days working out and try and squeeze in two sailing sessions over the weekend.

When not sailing: I grew up with full days. I played the piano and started Bharatnatyam aged five, with martial arts, swimming, tap-dancing, jazz ballet and the violin. I learned the importance of time management early. I’ve transferred my energy into medicine and sailing for now, but I also get involved with my mother’s theatre production every year – The Little Theatre Christmas pantomime.

Sporting heroes: Anna Tunnicliffe, the American gold medallist in the Laser Radial at Beijing 2008, my brother Ajay Rau – his determination matches no other. And Roger Federer for his skill and cool head.

Last movie watched: New Moon – love Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series.

Desert island survival kit: Good company, snorkelling gear and a boat.

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