Kezia Vargheese has pedalled her way to glory from her small village in Kochara, Kerala, representing state and country at national and international cycling championships, and winning umpteen medals and awards.
A bicycle happens to be anyone and everyone's first vehicle. Even Kezia used to cycle daily to attend school, and it was by chance that she opted for it professionally. "Cricket and swimming were the most favourite games back then. I accidentally entered the selection for cycling and made it. From 2004 till date, I have stayed put in the game."
There are three types of cycling and she has tried her hands at all the forms but is into Track Cycling now. The family has been supportive all through. "My parents were unaware of this sport. They had no inkling that it would be so expensive. My mother just says that I should give it my best as long as I am associated with it. They have however never insisted that how long should I play."
She is religious and calls God her best friend. "I love to read Bible whenever I have some free time."
Cycling keeps mind agile and improves memory so for Kezia it has never been tough balancing both. "I have spent my life in camps, practising and participating in games event but never at the expense of my studies. Teachers are quite involved and if I give 10% to my studies, they put in 200%."
In the Capital, she has been training under RK Sharma. "He monitors my practise and training sessions and diet."
A cycling champion par excellence, she loves to compose and sing whenever she has time. However, movies are a strict no-no. "It leads to distraction, especially before any major sporting event. So avoid it."
A fan of her mother's culinary skills, she is fond of North Indian food.
For budding cyclists, she advises that "if you are interested, stay focused".

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Piyush Kumar,
Radio Dwarka,
India's First Online Community Radio,
Saturday, May 21, 2016