Raj, a gymnast with the US national team to Beijing Olympics 2008, had his proud moment as he presented his bronze medal to his 85-year-old grandfather Bhanubhai Bhavsar when he visited his hometown in Vadodara.

“After the Olympics, this was my goal, and today I have accomplished it,” said Raj.

For this 28-year-old American of Indian origin, success in Olympics was not easy. Raj had tried his luck to represent his country in the Olympics not once but thrice.

“I had tried in 2001 but couldn’t make it. In 2004 Athens Olympics, I was selected in the team but did not get the opportunity to perform. In 2008 also, I was selected as a reserve, but at the last moment I was confirmed for the event. After a long wait, I got a chance to prove myself in the biggest international arena,” said Raj.

Surekha, Raj’s mother relived the final moments of the Olympics final, and said, “All that we prayed at that moment was for a perfect landing,” said Surekha

Raj’s tryst with gymnastics started at an age of four when he juggled with tennis at development classes after school. “He used to swing and climb over the furniture around the house when he was young. But later, when it was evident that he can choose sports as a career, he chose gymnastics over tennis,” said Surekha.

And then there was no looking back. In his journey to India, he plans to help the Indian gymnasts.

“The Indian gymnasts are very clear with the basic understanding and grounding. I am always available for them and also plan to have workshops and coaches in the US,” said Raj.