Tejaswin Shankar, the National record holder in high jump and decathlon, loves to break barriers, especially the tougher ones. When he ruled the high jump scene in India, he chose to switch to the much tougher decathlon and put himself through harder tests.
After becoming the first Indian to cross 8,000 points (8,057) in decathlon in the Federation athletics meet at the Birsa Munda Stadium (Morabadi) in Ranchi, Tejaswin — an Asian Games silver medallist in decathlon and a high jump bronze winner at the Commonwealth Games — was relieved.
What made it possible
Four personal bests (in 100m, long jump, 400m and 1500m) were achieved, courtesy a combination of factors — his sound knowledge of the disciplines, meticulous planning, hard work and support system. “The 8,000-point barrier is officially broken. No more worrying about wind or asterisks. I was very happy to achieve it because I had two chances this season. In heptathlon, I did 5,997, and that stung. Before that, my best was around 5,657. I knew I was in shape for 6,000. When you’re that close, it hurts more,” Tejaswin said.
“Same thing happened three-four months later at my first decathlon event [of the season] in San Angelo. I had an explosive day one again. On the second day, I had breakthroughs in pole vault. Then in 1500m, all I needed was 4:40 to break the 8,000-point mark. I ran 4:51; I had never run that slow. The weather was tough (challenging), but that’s not an excuse. You train to handle any situation. I missed 8,000 by 53 points. I told myself ‘next time, no matter how far behind I am, I’ll cover it’.”
A friendly taunt from his wife Siddhi Hiray motivated Tejaswin. In Ranchi, he targeted a time of 4:37 in 1500m to get to 8,000 points, but he managed to clock 4:29 to reach where he was longing for.
Tejaswin understands his game well. “Everyone’s a different beast. Everyone has their own way. I made 8,000 in one way, someone else made it differently. Some have even scores across the board. Not many do 2.25m in high jump (in decathlon), and no one does 40m in javelin and still scores 8,000. It’s a weird balance. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. I play to mine: build a massive score on day one, and then do damage control on day two. As I improve in those events, I can score more.”
Tejaswin is optimistic about performing well in global and continental competitions.
| Photo Credit:
Ritu Raj Konwar
Double delight
The 27-year-old, who recorded 2.25m during decathlon to breach the qualifying mark in high jump, felt that he could improve in his pet discipline. He also made the cut in decathlon.
“I think so. It has been a breakthrough year for me in high jump. In my first competition (in January), I did 2.26m. Then, it was 2.23m at Asian Indoors. Here (under pressure with lights going off and the competition stretching for three hours), I did 2.25m. My average is really good. Surprisingly, it’s better than my performance in the last Olympics year when I was fully prepared for high jump. That stings more.”
So, does he wish to compete in both high jump and decathlon at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games? “I don’t know the full schedule. I know that decathlon is on July 30 and 31. High jump is also there, but I don’t know the order. Based on what I did here, I think I can do it. But if high jump is scheduled right after decathlon and I’m not running 400m, I might try.”
Support system’s role
Tejaswin underlined the importance of a robust support system — which includes his wife, sister Avantika and strength and conditioning coach Wayne Lombard — and stressed that it helped him succeed in an arduous event like decathlon.
“With 10 events, it’s a mental battle. You’re competing for two consecutive days, you’re emotionally up and down. Right now, I can sit and talk comfortably, but they know how much grief I’ve given them over the last two days. You need a support system that understands [your situation]. I’m not justifying being mean, but you need people who push you in the right direction, ensure that you in the right headspace and help with everything you need,” Tejaswin said.
“I scored 8,000 points, but without those people — Wayne helping with nutrition between/after/before events, Siddhi yelling splits, my sister shouting ‘Chalo bhaiya’ — it wouldn’t have been possible. Those things distract you in crucial moments because you get caught in your own emotions.
“At such times, you need people to distract you. You prepare all year, but if your mind takes over, it’s a problem. You want muscle memory to happen. They keep telling me that I have it in me. I just have to execute — make that 4.20m bar, run 4:29 to achieve the big goal.”
Looking at the bigger picture
While enjoying his moment of glory in Ranchi, Tejaswin kept an eye on two athletes — sprinters Gurindervir Singh and Vishal T.K., who became the first Indians to go below 10.10 and 45 seconds in 100m and 400m respectively and made it a memorable day for athletics lovers. He looked at the bigger picture of India producing more world-class athletes.
“It’s a Commonwealth Games year, and people delivered their best in tough conditions. What happened with Animesh Kujur and Gurindervir going back to back (lowering the 100m National record in the semifinals), and Gurindervir dominating (the final) was phenomenal. In decathlon, I got 8,000, while N. Thowfeeq was right at 7,530, which would’ve been enough for the bronze medal at the last Commonwealth Games. He’ll learn,” Tejaswin said.
“Now, it’s on me to push the barrier. If I don’t, in two Federation Cups, Thowfeeq will be at 8,000. That’s how sport grows. You always want one or two people to push the envelope. Neeraj Chopra is the best example — he scored 90m. Now there are eight-nine javelin throwers with 80-85-86m.
“There are good things happening. It’s about harnessing this talent and taking it to the next level. The good athletes get opportunities and extra support. This year, I was supposed to compete in one or two competitions as per rules, but I was allowed to do decathlon. Such exemptions are necessary.
“They didn’t push me to compete in an event. That would have been a waste of energy. I know that I have to do a trial at the Federation meet, but doing one high jump meet just to hit the standard is too much. Others also got exemptions. I am happy that things have progressed,” Tejaswin explained.
He signed off with a lot of optimism as the country looks forward to putting up better performances at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games this year as well as the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
