2015 Off-Season Training With: Vikas Gowda

Vikas Gowda (born 5 July 1983) is an Indian discus thrower and shot putter.Born in Mysore, he grew up in Frederick, Maryland in the United States. His father, Shive, coached the 1988 Indian Olympic track team. His personal best throw is 66.90m (219′ 6″) which is also Indian national record in discus throw, achieved in 2013. In 2012 London Olympics, Vikas qualified for the finals, at the fifth place, with a throw of 65.20m (213′ 11″) and finished 8th in the finals. His best moment came when he clinched the Gold for India in the 2014 Commonwealth Games with a throw of 63.64m (208′ 9″). 

What do you need to work on, improve?

I need to improve my technique. I was not very consistent last year.

Where will you be living this winter?

I will be training in Phoenix Arizona this winter. The weather is great all year.

Who is your coach? Do you see your coach much? 

I will be training with my coach John Godina at the World Athletics Center and I train with him 5 to 6 days per week.

Are you throwing in the off-season in practice?

Iam throwing 1 to 2 times per week right now. Mainly just stand throws and drills. I’ll start full throws in a few weeks.

What weight lifting exercises will you do?

Right now Iam doing the basic lifts, squat, bench deadlift, core exercises and a few auxiliaries.

Are you going to try anything new this off-season? If so, what?

I always try a few new things every year. Sometimes they work sometimes they don’t. But my main focus is to stay health. Every year more and more time goes to rehab and keeping the body healthy.

What will you do to relax? Vacation planned?

Right now Iam visiting my family through the holidays.

When do you plan to compete again?

I’ll start competing in a few small competitions in April and then the Diamond League in May.