The Golden Girl of Pakistan:
In conversation with swimmer Kiran Khan
Text By Saneela Jawad
P
akistanis tend not to care so much about sports - aside, of course, from good old cricket. Hidden
between the lines of Pakistani sports is a bevy of world class athletes that have brought all manner of
titles and medals to Pakistan.
One of Pakistani star athletes is Kiran Khan, the first female international swimmer in the country. Known
as the ‘Golden Girl’ to her fans, she is definitely a true legend. She has won 7 international gold medals for
Pakistan, while bagging the best swimmer title 15 times. The national swimming champion, Kiran Khan is
one of Pakistan’s leading athletes and a very prominent name in the country.
GLOSS caught up with the swimmer and on the occasion of Women’s Day we thought it would be a great
opportunity to applaud her skills and achievements that made not just her family, but the entire nation proud
as well.
Tell us about Kiran Khan, the person and the athlete?
As a person, I’m a very friendly and calm human being. However, when it comes to
sports, I’m very rebellious and focused. I have learnt never to give up and to keep
working hard.
Talk us through your journey of becoming a record-breaking Pakistani female
swimmer.
When I was young two decades ago, I never knew I would become a swimmer.
Since my family is all in for sports, I was very keen on learning a water sport.
It started with synchronized swimming that led me towards swimming. Following
this, what further got me involved was when I beat my brother during a swimming
race and there was no turning back since then.
I made my debut in 2001, at the age of 10, the rest as they say is history.
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