This Michigan teenager interviewed the sport’s biggest stars

GRAND BLANC, MI – At just 17 years old, Vedant Gupta already has an impressive resume.

Not only has he interviewed some of the biggest stars in college and professional sports, he’s also built his own media company and written a nonfiction autobiography – all before he set foot on a college campus.

Gupta graduated from Grand Blanc High School in May and plans to spend the summer in his hometown before attending Michigan State University in the fall.

His mission for this summer is to increase sales of his book, “A Young Entrepreneur’s Journey Through Time,” and build a career as a motivational speaker.

Gupta won the Optimist Club’s state championship in public speaking in 2023. He has been participating in public speaking competitions since third or fourth grade.

Being able to speak in front of others and appear confident helped him when interviewing sports stars and celebrities such as Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, Snoop Dogg, Giannis Antetokounmpo and others.

Gupta’s first foray into the media world came during the first and second rounds of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in Detroit.

Gupta, who was 11 at the time, had applied to work for Sports Illustrated for Kids and was asked to first conduct an interview with someone on site.

But Gupta had bigger plans.

Michigan State University granted Gupta media access and his journey began.

“It made me realize I can do this on my own,” he said.

Gupta has always had a passion for sports. He played three sports in high school and has been involved in sports since a young age. Interviewing athletes came easily to him.

“I think I was so naive that I didn’t realize what kind of spotlight it was,” Gupta said. “I just talked to the person in front of me.”

Gupta was supported by his father Vipul in travelling to major sporting events in the hope of getting interviews with the biggest stars.

To this end, Gupta searched hallways, hotel lobbies and media rooms in the hope of an interview.

In his book, Gupta tells stories about Jack Nicklaus rubbing his head, Magic Johnson walking him through a press room and Patrick Mahomes’ mother, Randi, insisting on hugging him.

He began writing the book at the age of 14 and took more than two years to complete it.

“I think the most important thing to learn from my stories is that you can’t wait. Don’t wait for anything. … Take matters into your own hands and see what it takes. It’s OK to fail,” Gupta said.

Want more news from the Flint area? Bookmark Local news site from Flint or sign up for the free “3@3 Flint“ daily newsletter.

If you would like to receive more reports like this free of charge in your inbox, Click here and sign up for our weekly newsletter: Michigan Schools.