True passion knows no age!
And, the incredible woman from Chennai, Daisy Victor is the best example who makes us believe in it.
In her 70-year long career, the inspiring sportswoman has participated in over 20 international, 36 national and 59 district tournaments.
And that’s not all, she has clinched 414 Medals including 345 Golds.
She recently made headlines, after winning a bronze medal at the 2018 World Masters Athletics Championships for shot put and discus throw.
In an interview with The Hindu, Daisy recalled her journey on World Elders Day.
Born in the town of Nazareth near Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli, she grew up in Bellary due to her father’s job as a postmaster.
Her success would have not been possible without the immense contribution of 2 very important men in her life.
Her father, who encouraged her love of sports, was the reason Daisy started running at the early age of eight. Later in her life, it was her husband Victor Sundararajan who encouraged her to pursue her passion with complete focus.
Even after being a mother to 6 children, her training and her passion never took a backseat. She told The Hindu :
“I used to run till the third trimester and got back to practice one-month post-delivery”
In 1980, India’s very own flying Sikh, Milkha Singh, was in Chennai to establish the Veteran Athlete Association. Daisy shares how he motivated her:
“He motivated me to participate in world veteran athletic meets and 1981, I went to New Zealand and secured the 7th rank. It was then that I started coaching under Victor Wilson. He coached me for international meets. But for my parents and my husband, I wouldn’t have been able to pursue my passion”
Till date, Daisy wakes up early and trains at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium each day from 7.30-9.30 am.
She adds:
“Every morning, I pack breakfast and coffee in a flask and leave for practice. It is my routine to go to the bank or post office after practice, and return home by 11 am”
Though her favorite events to compete are triple jump and long jump, but she quit participating in these events after her husband’s death.
She found it difficult to cope with his absence.
Now, she is concentrating on discus, shot put and running. Apart from winning the bronze at the Masters Meet in Spain, she has also won three golds medals at the district-level masters meet on September 30.
She shares her secret to health:
“In all these years, I have not experienced any illnesses or aches, thanks to my genes. It’s only recently that I’m finding it a little difficult to climb down the stairs.”
Though she has always been supported by her family, including children, grandchildren, and great-children, there have been some naysayers who have questioned her choices and asked her questions:
“Why do you want to run like this every day?
Do you want to fall and trouble everyone?
Can’t you just sit at home and relax with your great grandchildren?”
Daisy has a befitting reply to these questions,
“I have the energy, and I use my hard-earned money to travel to sports meets.”
Daisy is not only inspiring elders but also women like you and us to chase our dreams, irrespective of the age.
We are so proud of you ma’am!
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