I’m better prepared this time, says Vikas Gowda

[1]

The American accent, the lack of interest in Indian movies and music and a fumble when asked to speak in Kannada, may suggest discus thrower Vikas Gowda’s lack of Indianess.

Although the 29-year-old does not know much about India, the Mysore-born lad surely knows what it means to don the Indian colours.

His first taste of Indian support came at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi in 2010, and since then, the bronze medal winner at the event understands the sentiments of Indian sporting fans.

“Winning a medal in front of my home crowd at the CWG changed a lot for me. Every time, I have represented the country since then, I’m reminded of the crowd support I enjoyed and the joy of their face when I won a medal. That is a huge motivator,” says Gowda.

As he prepares for his third Olympics, the former US national collegiate champion does so, with the belief that with age and maturity, the London Games would be a better experience.

“I’m very excited about my third appearance at the Games. From Athens to London, I’ve evolved as an athlete and a person. When I went to Athens, I was still in college and didn’t know much about performing on the big stage. I also feel I’m a lot better than I was in Beijing four years ago.

“This time I know what to expect and I’m surely stronger. Over the past 3-4 years I have prepared harder,” says the athlete, who trains at the famed World Throwing Centre in Phoenix under renowned coach John Godina.

In April this year, he climbed to the top of the IAAF ranking list after a 66.28 metres throw in Norman. Although since then the athlete has dropped to 17th, he believes he is ready for the Games.

“It’s tough to predict how I will fare at the Games. The battle at the Olympics is intense but this time around I’m well prepared for it. I just want to go out there and get myself into a competitive position.
“I want to do something special this time,” says Gowda.