Discus thrower Vikas Gowda sets sights on Rio Olympics

Reigning Commonwealth Games champion in men's discus throw, Vikas Shive Gowda who will be participating in his fourth Olympic Games in Rio in August, will be competing in fewer run-up competitions to the 2016 Games, compared to the past.

Sharing his mantra for Rio, the 32-year- old discus thrower who was born in Mysore, Karnataka, but grew up in Maryland (USA) said today from his training centre in the US, "I want to compete a little bit less than I have in the previous years. I'm looking to begin competing in a few weeks in July in some competitions in Europe and the main focus is Rio in August."

Gowda is the only Indian male to win a Gold medal in track and field in the Commonwealth Games in the last 50 years and is arguably the most consistent Indian athlete in recent times.

Gowda said his passion for throwing helps him to 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 inches tall discus 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-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 and 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. I don't worry too much on what other people are doing. 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.