September 2nd 2024.
The world of sports is buzzing with excitement as a new star has emerged at the Paralympics. Sheetal Devi, an Indian athlete, has captured the hearts of millions with her incredible technique and determination at the Paris 2024 Games. At just 17 years old, Sheetal has already achieved what many can only dream of, despite facing a rare congenital disorder called phocomelia, which left her without arms at birth. But this has not stopped her from chasing her dreams and becoming the first and only female archer without upper limbs to win an international title, earning two gold medals at the 2022 Asian Para Games in China.
Sheetal's skills were on full display in the French capital, as she used her right leg to raise the bow, pulled the string back with her right shoulder, and released the arrow with her jaw. In a viral video, she even scored a perfect ten with a clean bullseye. Her incredible performance has not gone unnoticed, with famous personalities like Piers Morgan and former US wheelchair rugby champion Derrick Helton applauding her for her heroics. They, along with many others, have expressed their admiration for the dedication and commitment shown by Paralympic athletes.
Despite her impressive skills, Sheetal unfortunately did not make it to the next round, losing by just one point to Chile's Mariana Zuniga. But she still has a chance to win a medal, as she will be competing in the Mixed Team Compound event with her teammate Rakesh Kumar, with whom she set a world record in the Ranking Round last week. Speaking before the Games, Sheetal shared her goal of winning the gold medal, inspired by her past successes and a determination to achieve more.
Sheetal competes in the Compound Open women's category, which is for athletes in a wheelchair with impairment in the top or bottom half or one side of their bodies, or for those who have difficulty with balance and shoot standing or resting on a stool. Her journey to the top of para-archery is truly remarkable, considering that she had no experience in the sport until the age of 15. It was a friend who introduced her to the world of para-archery at a sports complex in her hometown of Katra, India.
Her training began with using a rubber band to aim at targets just five meters away, which helped her build confidence and improve her skills. Her coaches recognized her potential and encouraged her to use the strength in her legs and upper body, which she had developed from using her feet for activities like writing and climbing. Sheetal admits that it was challenging at first, but with determination and hard work, she was able to overcome any obstacles in her way.
As Sheetal continues to inspire others with her incredible journey, she wants to send a powerful message to the world that nothing is impossible. Her story serves as a reminder that with dedication and perseverance, anything can be achieved. And as Sheetal continues to chase her dreams, she has proven that she is a true star in the world of Paralympic sports.
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