Super Woman: Who Chose Sneakers Over Heels

High school is one of the most magical times in a person’s life. It is the time when your entire life awaits with open arms to welcome you into a future which is full for boundless possibilities and sky touching dreams. If you remember your high school days, you will agree with me that there are two groups of kid who are most famous amongst the entire crowd. Guys who are jocks and girls who are cheerleaders! They appear like those mystical creatures who have it all and every other girl or boy aspire to become like them. However, there are certain girls, who choose the world of sweat and soil over the lipstick and shiny cheerleader uniforms. Today we know these girls as P V Sindhu, Katie Ledecky, Deepa Karmakar, Yusra Mardini, Simone Biles and every other super woman who have made their country proud in the most prestigious arena of sports.

Are these women blessed with some miracle or is it sheer luck? I would say none. Since time immemorial, sports have always been associated with men. Be it the gladiators of Rome or archers of Armenia. Women were never considered skillful or strong enough to be worthy of such rigorous activity. The first appearance made by women in the Olympic Games was in 1900 in Paris where they participated in various events like golf, croquet, tennis, sailing and equestrian. For a very long time, such female oriented sport lacked the support of spectators. But persistence appearance and increasing participation of women in such events started creating a recognition for themselves and world became more and more aware about such super woman.

To attain success in any competitive game, one needs to train from very young years. The role of parents is of utmost importance during such period. If parents lack vision and fail to acknowledge the potential and interest of their kid, then it becomes very difficult for such talent to flourish and make a mark. Unfortunately, it is not very uncommon in our society. It is common sight that parents will happily take their son to a soccer practice but they will be more interested if their daughter picks up a musical instrument or painting as her hobby. The super woman inside every little girl needs to be identified and equally supported so that one day she can match her brother in the field of sport.

Pradunova which is considered the most difficult and dangerous vault in woman’s gymnastic was beautifully landed by Deepa Karmakar in 2016 Rio Olympics making her one of the five women who could ever do that. Though she did not win a medal but the world salutes the roar of the super woman inside her. P V Sindhu, another girl who almost touched gold today, was also not made in a day. She untiringly travelled 56 kms every day from her house to train for this day which has now marked her name in history in golden ink.

These women chose to not follow the ordinary and fighting against all odds in their life, heard the call of the super woman inside them. Today, they have millions following them at Rio.