Vikas Gowda

Standing tall at 6'9", Vikas Gowda literally towers over one and all with his huge built. And doing justice to his built, he represents India in discus throw and shot put.

In 2011, Vikas came up with his season's best effort of 64.05m at Daegu, to become the first Indian male athlete to qualify for the final of World Athletics Championships.

The seventh place finish at his third World Championships has provided a big dose of confidence and now Vikas is determined to add that few extra metres that will help him climb the podium at the London Games.

Vikas' personal best is 64.96m set in 2007.

Vikas Gowda Medal Record

2005 - Silver - Incheon Asian Championships

2010 - Silver - Delhi Commonwealth Games - Discus throw

2010 - Bronze - Guangzhou Asian Games - Discus throw

2011 - Silver - Kobe Asian Championships

Vikas holds the national record in discus throw with a personal best throw is 66.28 meters that was achieved in April 2012.

Vikas failed to reach the finals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics after finishing 11th in the qualifiers, with a throw of 60.69 m.

Born in Mysore, Vikas grew up in Frederick, Maryland in the United States and has an old association with athletics as his father Shive Gowda coached the 1988 Indian Olympic Track Team.

Vikas graduated from the North Carolina University and now trains with former world champion John Godina. He served notice of his talent winning medals at the college level and then represented India in the World Junior Championships.