Bengaluru: Diagnosed with polio in both his legs at birth , all he could do was crawl. And till he was 14, he relied on his mother to carry him to and from his school every day. But come Sunday and 35- year- old B.V Srinivas will participate for the sixth time in the TCS 10k marathon in the 'Champions with Disability' category.
Having finished the race in about 43 minutes last year on his wheelchair, he is all set to prove yet again that disability cannot defeat an unconquerable spirit.
Determind to walk despite being polio-stricken, he first attempted it with the support of calipers and a walking stick. Soon he was able to give up the former and rely on a walking stick for support.
He first participated in the marathon while working for 'Provision Asia' that helps the physically challenged. Introduced by his childhood friend, Praveen, to body building in the meanwhile, he went on to become a body building champion in 2003. Wins came h is way at 15 Mr. Karnataka events as well and ut was at one of these events that he met his coach, C.V Subramania who was judging it.
Having finished the race in about 43 minutes last year on his wheelchair, Srinivas is all set to prove yet again that disability cannot defeat an unconquerable spirit
"I was told I had strong shoulders and arms and I should put them to use in athletics," he recounts. His relentless efforts in athletics led him to win gold medals at the Belgian Paralympics in events like shot put, discus throw and javelin. Encourage, he went on to participate in other various national and international sporting events, which brought him more success.
But not stopping there he developed an interest in biking, and for the past three years has been riding a customised Bullet as well as participating in various biking events. In fact, this man with the unbeatable spirit has completed two trips from Bengaluru to Goa on his bike and is looking forward to completing a bike trip from the city to Leh-Ladakh soon.
His many interests have not stopped him from holding a job. Over the past many years, Srinivas has worked with many fitness groups and currently he is a trainer at the health club on Infosys campus
"Everyone who joins fitness regimes is looking for fast results. But let me tell you success has no shortcuts. Ultimately one should aim to be fit and healthy by using correct methods," he says.
But if he has not let disability defeat him it is in large part owing to his mother, who has been a tower of strength all through his struggles. Taking on another marathon is therefore right up his sleeve even today.
