[1]In the number game, he is quite the star. Be it the distance of his discus throw or the surprising revelation that the “big guy” is a Mathematics teacher too.
Vikas Gowda, is 6 feet 9 inches and a world champion in discus throw. When this 28-year-old enters the arena, it’s hard to miss his gigantic presence.
It does make one wonder how this athlete juggles discus with his chosen profession — a math teacher.
Vikas did his majors in mathematics at University of North Carolina and is currently teaching the subject.
Story so far: He is the son of former state athlete Shive Gowda. “My father was a coach for the Indian contingent at the Seoul Olympics and my mother is a homemaker,” says Vikas.
Comparisons of the lad being in the same field as his father are inevitable, but Vikas takes it in his stride.
“It does not bother me. I live up to their name by working hard and giving every performance my best. I have their wholehearted support and they have been a constant source of encouragement.”
Into the future: Vikas is currently focusing on the London Olympics and hopes to do his father and country proud. He says, “Beyond that, I have not planned anything.”
Personal byte: Vikas insists that he needs his “me” time. He says, “I like listening to music and chilling out at home when I am free.”
Did you know? The farthest Vikas has thrown the discus is 66.28 meters. When he has the discus in his hand, he ensures it goes beyond the horizon.
Links:
[1] http://103.241.136.51/untitled-144jpgcropdisplayjpg-939