S. Thilothamma, a final-year M.E. Manufacturing Engineering student at Government College of Technology (GCT), Coimbatore, won gold medal in the Downhill – Women Elite category at the 21st Senior, Junior & Sub-Junior National Mountain Bike Cycling Championship, with a cycle she borrowed from her trainer.

Thilothamma shared her remarkable achievement with the press and media on Friday, accompanied by her trainer, Gokul Krishnan and her mother. She explained that the event, held under the aegis of the Cycling Federation of India and hosted by the Haryana State Cycling Association, took place in Panchkula from March 28 to 31, 2025.

She is the first and only woman from South India to compete in the high-risk Downhill category. "Downhill mountain biking is an extreme sport, and only three to four women in the country participate in this category due to its difficulty and danger," said her trainer Gokul Krishnan, who is also a downhill rider.

The competition was held in the scenic yet demanding Morni Hills of Haryana. Thilothamma competed against two other athletes - from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh - and secured first place, clinching the gold medal.

"This year, the track was a 2 km downhill ride—double the usual 1 km. It was extremely challenging, and we had to make decisions very quickly while navigating the terrain," she recalled.

Adding more to this, her Trainer Gokul Krishnan emphasized the intensity of the sport. “Downhill biking requires athletes to ride down steep, rugged trails at high speed. Every second brings a new challenge that tests their skill, reflexes, and courage,” he said.

Originally from Vellore, Thilothamma developed a passion for cycling over the years and became especially drawn to the Downhill discipline. She trained intensively for a year under Gokul's guidance. Due to restrictions on hill training in Tamil Nadu, the duo sought special permission from a private estate to practice for the event.

Raised by a single mother, Thilothamma credits her success to the support of her trainer Gokul, the Tamil Nadu Cycling Association, and Mr. Krishna Kumar, CEO of the Nehru Group of Institutions, known for his encouragement of cycling events and athletes.

“I’ve been told I have a strong chance to compete internationally once I receive points from the Tamil Nadu Cycling Association. With their continued support, I hope to represent India in global competitions soon,” she said.

When asked about her bicycle, she shared, “I can’t afford one of my own yet. A basic bike for international downhill events costs around Rs. 2–3 lakhs, and high-end models go up to Rs. 7–8 lakhs. This time, my friend and trainer lent me his bike so I could compete. I seek support from sponsors to go further and achieve my goals and also to make my State and country proud on the grand stages”