Reigning Commonwealth Games men’s discus throw champion Vikas Shive Gowda, who will be participating in his fourth Olympic Games in Rio, will compete in fewer run-up competitions to the quadrennial event, compared to the past, according to a press release from the Athletics Federation of India.
Sharing his plans for Rio, the 32-year-old discus thrower who was born in Mysuru, but grew up in Maryland (USA) said from his training centre in the US, “I want to compete a little less than I have in the previous years. I’m looking to begin competing in July for a few weeks in Europe. The main focus is on Rio in August.”
Gowda is the only Indian male to win a Commonwealth Games track and field gold medal in the last 50 years and arguably the most consistent Indian athlete in recent times. Passion for throwing helps him stay motivated while training alone in the US under former Olympic champion John Godina.
“There are definitely days that are harder than the others, but there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing,” said the six-feet-nine inch tall thrower.
The National record-holder in men’s discus throw with a best of 66.28 metres also shared his training regime in the US. “I usually train five to six days a week. My training consists of throwing, weightlifting, plyometrics (jump training) and cross training. When I train I do it with lots of intensity. I try to put myself in the competition atmosphere. I want to be familiar with that feeling as much as possible,” he said.
Gowda said the high standards for Olympic qualification in men’s discus throw (65 metres) this time is nothing new.
He said, “The standards are always high. The only thing I have control over is my own performance. . My target for Rio is to put myself in a position to succeed and to execute to the best of my abilities on that day.”
