#37 From A Civil Engineering Job to Multiple Gold Medals in Mountain Biking at Indian Mountain Biking Nationals! A Circuitous And Inspirational Journey of Kiran Kumar Raju/KKR!

<p>If there is ever going to be an Mountain biking hall of fame for India, Kiran Kumar Raju is sure to figure prominently in that. He is a multiple time National champion in cross country mountain biking. But, his journey to the top of the sport is anything but a straight line and is amazingly inspirational. With his hard work and success, he has inspired many youngsters to take up mountain biking as a sport and look to do well competitively.</p> <p>In this episode he shares his journey in MTB landscape in India !</p> <p>This episode covers:</p> <p>Intro</p> <p>Late start in sport through running in College!</p> <p>Sport positively effecting studies and life!</p> <p>Starting work and starting to commute by cycle</p> <p>2011 BBCH Nandi Hills Race</p> <p>Part of &nbsp;Specialized KYNKYNY Development team in 2012</p> <p>Drama before joining SKCT MTB program</p> <p>Winning MTB Shimla in dramatic fashion</p> <p>Nandi Race progression to top of podium</p> <p>2014 -Deciding to give up the job and taking up cycling fulltime</p> <p>Coaching with Naveen John and winning the first Gold at MTB ITT Nats</p> <p>Gold and Bronze at Nats and then having doubts.</p> <p>Finding support of the cycling community and TREK</p> <p>Getting married in 2017 and becoming a dad in 2018</p> <p>Staying the course and performing at the Nats - 9 medals in total</p> <p>Future plans in the sport- Mentoring the youth!</p> <p>Tour of Nilgiris as a volunteer and as a rider!</p> <p>Tips for working athletes</p> <p><strong>Some Links Below:</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/334744737743027/"><strong>Working Athlete Community</strong></a>&nbsp;on FB.</p> <p><a href="https://anchor.fm/bikeyvenky/message"><strong>Link to Anchor Voice messages</strong></a></p> <p>About the Podcast</p> <p>The working athlete podcast is a podcast with and for working athletes from all walks of life and various sports. The goal is to provide inspiration, training tips, mental hacks, time management and life-style advice through conversations with some o