Athlete Shivani, who won three gold medals at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, is being celebrated for her triumph over adversity. Shivani suffers from 60% mental retardation and stands at only five feet tall. She began learning to cycle during the COVID-19 pandemic when her aunt felt she was getting bored at home. Shivani lost her father just before the pandemic and her mother, who also suffers from 60% MR, could not take care of her daughter. Thus, her aunt stepped in.
Shivani’s aunt Sunita Datta ensured that she got the training she needed and took her out on long stretches and nearby parks when COVID-19 restrictions eased. She trained Shivani in cycling while her uncle coached her and her aunt taught her yoga and strength training. Although Shivani was afflicted with illness from birth, she continued to study in a regular school until she failed in Class IX. Her class teacher suggested she be admitted to a special school for better educational opportunities.
Shivani won medals in 500m, 1km, and 2km cycling events in Berlin, making her one of India’s top medal winners at the Games. Although Shivani understands what she has achieved, she is looking forward to more such competitions in the future. At the ceremony held to felicitate the winners of the Games, former President of India Ram Nath Kovind, ex-India cricketer and BJP MP Gautam Gambhir, and Special Olympics Bharat Chairperson Mallika Nadda among others, were among the attendees.
India took home 202 medals from the Special Olympics World Games, 76 of which were gold. The country won the most medals in roller skating (31) followed by powerlifting (23). A total of 6,500 athletes from around the world participated in the event. Shivani’s success is an inspiration and a testament to the power of human spirit over adversity.
