This discomfort he likened to a knife piercing his knee. However, rather than focus on the anticipated pain, his thoughts were on strategy. This unique blend of strategy and tenacity, honed over ten grueling events, led him to become the first Indian athlete to stand on the podium, sharing that honor with sport legends – three-time Olympian Lindon Victor and four-time Olympian Damian Warner.
In an interview with CNBC-TV18, Shankar elaborated on his strategy, what motivated him to persevere through the injury, the moment he sensed a medal was within reach, and how this performance has revitalized his confidence as he prepares for the Asian Games and LA 2028.
The 2022 CWG bronze medalist in high jump was gearing up to replicate his success in Glasgow when a sudden knee pain compelled him to withdraw. He was acutely aware that the pain would peak during his two strongest events in the Decathlon – the high jump and long jump.
“For me, the worst pain would likely hit as I took off for my jump. Just when I was about to leap, I felt a sharp, stabbing pain, maybe an eight or seven out of ten,” he shared.
Shankar confessed that, in that moment of pain, he feared his Commonwealth Games journey was over, and he understandably broke down in tears.
“At that point, it felt better to quit in my mind rather than continue on an injured leg and finish last in every event. That wouldn’t reflect my preparation or capabilities, and I couldn’t do justice to wearing the India jersey and finishing last,” he revealed.
He also expressed regret over having requested the federation for the opportunity to compete in the high jump after qualifying for the Decathlon. “I asked for that chance, so it felt unfortunate not to perform on that day,” he said.
Shankar noted that before the morning of July 30, the first day of the two-day event, he had “probably given up.” However, everything shifted for the 27-year-old when the CWG Chief Medical Officer, Dinshaw Pardiwala, assured him that there was no risk of tendon damage.
Upon learning that competing in the Decathlon was feasible if he could withstand the pain, his focus pivoted to strategy. It became not just about making it through the events but about maximizing the value of each painful jump.
“After missing at 2.12 metres, I moved the bar up to 2.15 metres. Because even if I cleared 2.12, I’d only get points for that height. I’d rather risk the higher jump, knowing that a successful attempt would yield more points,” he explained. A similar tactical approach in the challenging long jump propelled Shankar to the forefront in both events.
He also credited the advice of two-time long jump CWG silver medalist Murali Sreeshankar to take one event at a time, which aided him throughout the competition. As he focused individually on each event, it was during the ninth event, the javelin throw, that Shankar realized he had secured a bronze medal. However, instead of settling, this fiercely competitive athlete immediately set his sights on the gold.
The bronze he achieved through significant discomfort has fortified Shankar’s confidence in his ability to compete against the best globally. Facing two Olympic medallists at the Commonwealth Games, the experience of overcoming an injury while still finishing on the podium has instilled a belief that he can perform when it matters most.
He feels that this experience will benefit him as he heads into the Asian Games, with his ambitions firmly set on LA 2028.
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