Shruti Gojekar: The aspiring long distance runner

India is home to incredible sporting talent. Shruti Gojekar, is one such aspiring long-distance runner who hails from a small town Girlgunji from Khanapur taluka of Belgaum district. Shruti’s father spotted her sporting talent and encouraged her to take up Athletics at the age of 12. Shruti started training at the local playground for long distance running 1500m and 3000m in the small town of Girlgunji under her father’s guidance. Eventually she participated at the RGK Abhiyaan Sports meet held at Chitradurga in 2014 and won the 3rd place in the 3000m running event which gave a kick start to her sporting career. From then there was no looking back.

In the Karnataka state Junior Athletics Championship (Under 16) Shruti embarked the victory stand for three years in 2015, 2016 and 2018 constantly bettering her performance. The long distance runner also participated in the 28th South Zone Junior Athletics Championship at Karimnagar, Telangana to secure the 3rd place in 2000m category. Shruti has also got a chance to participate in the 61st National School Games in Kozhikode, Kerala. She has to her credit victories of many marathons conducted in and around Belgaum as well.

Shruti’s mother who has secured two medals at the National level in Kho-Kho is her inspiration and encourages her by lessons from personal experience and provides her the mental strength to excel in the sport.

Shruti has recently started training at The Nehru stadium in Belgaum under the able guidance of Pradeep Juvekar and he is confident that Shruti has a bright career ahead.

Shruti is blessed with good family support and an efficient trainer however nutrition and appropriate shoes remains a concern for this 17 year old.