Jyothi Yarraji, India’s 100m hurdle athlete, is poised to make history at the Paris Olympics. As the first Indian woman to qualify for the 100m hurdles event, she carries with her not only her athletic prowess but also the indomitable spirit instilled by her mother, Kumari.
Jyothi Yarraji kept moving despite struggles
Kumari’s life was marked by relentless struggle. She worked tirelessly as a domestic help and cleaner at a local hospital in Visakhapatnam, facing adversity head-on. Despite the challenges, Kumari maintained an unwavering positive mindset. Her resilience and determination left an indelible mark on Yarraji.
In a recent virtual media interaction facilitated by Reliance Foundation, Yarraji reflected on her past struggles and the invaluable guidance she received from her mother. “My situation was really bad sometimes,” Yarraji shared. “But my mom always told me to keep moving forward because we can’t change the present, past, or the future.”
Kumari’s wisdom transcended mere athletic achievements. She emphasized self-satisfaction and personal growth over medals. “She told me, ‘Work for yourself. Whatever the result, we’ll take it.’ My mom never pressured me to win a medal; instead, she encouraged me to be healthy and content with my efforts. That’s why I approach every challenge with a positive mindset.”
Know Your Olympian – Jyothi Yarraji 🇮🇳
The in-form sprinter from Andhra Pradesh is ready to shine at the Paris Olympics!💙#Athletics #Paris2024 #Olympics #SKIndianSports pic.twitter.com/H0CmvYXupc
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) July 17, 2024
Yarraji also credits her current team, led by coach James Hillier, for fostering a positive environment. “Now I have lots of positive people, a team with a great mentality around me,” she explained. “That support helps me stay focused. I always carry positivity with me, transforming negative thoughts into positive ones.”
As Yarraji prepares for her debut Olympics, she acknowledges the pressure but remains confident. Her journey is a testament to the strength drawn from her mother’s struggles—a strength that propels her forward, hurdling over obstacles, both on the track and in life.
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