Murali

has to balance between his roles as a father and a coach. But he is sensible enough not to put undue pressure on his son.

Psychologically, Sreeshankar is dependent on his father. After breaking the National record at the National Open athletics meet in Bhubaneswar in September, Sreeshankar said, “I missed my father’s inputs at the Asian Games and that’s why my performance was not as good as it should have been. Here, he made some technical change in my approach and it helped achieve the record.”

According to Murali, who was trained by German coach and biomechanics expert Dr. George Ramlow during the 19■0s and 1990s at the National camp, not putting too much load on Sreeshankar has worked well.

“I have never scolded Sreeshankar for not per forming well. He is hardworking and always gives his best. When he does not feel great I invite him for a game of basketball. He is good at long range shooting,” said Murali.

Murali is happy that Sreehankar is not inclined towards shortcuts to success. “Since we don’t have proper facilities in Palakkad, we travelled 60km to Coimbatore once or twice a week to train there. Despite the limited facilities, he worked hard to achieve success. He has achieved all this without taking any supplements. He does not even take coffee as he is scared of doping. Of course, he takes some protein,” said Murali, who works with the Railways.

Whether athletics or studies, Sreeshankar loves to give his best. As he is not willing to neglect his studies, it is learnt that the Athletics Federation of India has agreed to provide all training facilities to the promising athlete in Palakkad.

K. S. Bijimol, a middle distance runner of her time and an employee of the Food Corporation of India, is a doting mother. After Sreeshankar broke his pal Ankit Sharma’s National record of ■.19m by leaping to ■.20m in Bhubaneswar, Bijimol, who was watching her son from the stands, came down to plant a kiss on his cheek. Murali cited an example to highlight the motherson bonding. “Even today, Sreeshankar’s mother feeds him. Of course, when he goes abroad he finds it difficult to have food on his own,” said Murali.

“As both of us are athletes, we always discuss sports at home. Even our daughter, Sreeparvathy (a Class XI student), is into athletics and has competed in district level meets. That creates a good atmosphere,” said Murali.