MUMBAI: Chetan Hansraj, who is a popular television actor, is immensely happy as his wife, Lavinia Hansraj, recently represented India and even won.

Lavinia has been a former air hostess and model. She took up athletics only last year and has already created a wave as she participated in several competitions and has been on a winning streak too. At the recently contested Masters Athletic Championship in Sri Lanka, Lavinia won two gold medals in the 100 meters and long jump events, and two silver medals in the 200 meters and relay category in the over-40 women's age category. 

In a recent interview, Lavinia said, "It felt great representing India. I was thrilled to wear the Indian jersey and hold the national flag. It was a dream come true. I was always a fitness freak, but the thought of pursuing athletics came to my mind when I would take my son for training to Kandivali. Each time he ran, my heart would go pounding and legs would shiver with excitement. That’s when I realized that my passion for running had never really died. It would bring back memories of my school and college days." 

She added, "I would train four times a week at 5.30am. We had a vigorous schedule and trained even in the scorching heat, severe cold or heavy rains. I took part in my first Masters Meet in Mumbai in November last year. A couple of months later, I participated in the YMCA Athletic Meet and then entered the National Masters Athletics Championship in Nashik, where I won five gold medals. I then qualified for my first international competition, which was held in Colombo on August 10 and 11. I was very nervous, but my husband Chetan, family, friends, and coach encouraged me and said I must go for it. And I’m glad I did.”