“I’m more relaxed and focused this season,” said discus thrower Vikas Gowda, who won a silver at the Diamond League series meet in Doha last Friday.
“The field was impressive with a couple of Olympic and world championship medallists. That is why it’s more gratifying,” he said.
“If one looks at my career graph from about four to six years back, there has been a definite upward swing. I was nowhere in the first two Olympics or world championships but now I am in the top 10 very consistently,” said the strapping 31-year-old.
Asked about the push from the 63 metre-plus bracket to the 66-67-metre range, Gowda said: “it’s just a matter of time… to be doing 63.23 metres in early May, with a year loaded with Majors like the Asian Games, Commonwealth and world championships, is satisfying. I need to peak at the right time” he said.
“Under coach John Godina, I have come some way and there does not seem to be anything wrong in technique. I need to be more relaxed and not rush through my throws or tighten my muscles at the point of release, and everything else will fall in place,” felt Gowda.
On the goals ahead, Gowda remarked: “it’s a crowded season ahead and I need to keep improving on my positions. I have won medals at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games but will look to improve on the metal that I bring back home.”
“At Phoenix (Arizona, USA), the centre where he (Vikas) trains is very different. There is specific attention to each muscle during his training sessions. His gym workout is also very meticulous,” added Shiva Gowda, father and mentor of the Olympic medal hopeful.
Gowda expressed his gratitude to the Central Government, which has assisted him this year, and ‘Olympic Gold Quest’ that has supported him since 2009.
