From Wheelchair to Champion: Geeta S Rao's Inspiring Cycling Odyssey

Geeta S Rao: Defying the Odds, One Pedal at a Time

Geeta S Rao, a 46-year-old para-cyclist, has achieved what many would consider impossible. Despite being diagnosed with polio at the tender age of three due to a medical mishap, Geeta has cycled across the length and breadth of India. Her journey from being wheelchair-bound to becoming a para-cyclist was anything but easy.

"Imagine waking up one day and discovering you can no longer walk," Geeta recounts. Her physical condition, caused by the wrong medication, left her struggling with mobility, often falling even in the middle of crossing roads. For years, she relied on a wheelchair, crutches, and orthopedic boots to move around. The path to walking again took 10 to 15 years, but Geeta’s spirit remained unbroken.

Her life took a transformative turn when she saw a group of cyclists in her hometown. Childhood dreams of cycling were reignited, and within two days, Geeta had mastered the skill. Cycling became more than just a means of transportation—it became her passion, a symbol of her newfound freedom.

In just a month, she accomplished a 115-kilometer ride, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. To date, she has cycled over 125,000 kilometers across India and has garnered 13 national and international accolades.

This year, Geeta has qualified for the Paralympics, representing India on the global stage. Her achievements include being India's first differently-abled Super Randonneur, an Olympic triathlete, and a silver medalist at the 2022 Para-Cycling Championship.

"I might fall 100 times, but I will get up every time until I complete my goal," Geeta shared in an interview with NDTV. "Without commitment, we will never start; without consistency, we will never achieve."

Geeta's journey is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, proving that with determination and dedication, even the most formidable obstacles can be overcome.

Reference:

telanganatoday.com