Yarraji's Olympic Dash: Overcoming Hurdles with a Positive Mindset

Jyothi Yarraji, the first Indian to compete in the Olympic 100m hurdles, attributes her success to her mother Kumari's resilience while working double shifts. Yarraji's focus on positivity, supported by a strong team, helps her navigate pressures. She remains calm and focused through meditation, aiming for success in Paris.

When Jyothi Yarraji leaps past each hurdle in her bid to reach the finish line, it feels like she is trying to leave behind the struggles her mother Kumari faced while working double shifts as a domestic helper and hospital cleaner in Visakhapatnam.

Yarraji aims to carry her gutsy mother's positive mindset when she competes in the 100m hurdles heats during the Paris Olympics, becoming the first Indian to do so through the world ranking quota.

''In the past, I worried too much about my family and background, but I've learned a lot,'' Yarraji said during a virtual media interaction facilitated by Reliance Foundation. ''My mom always told me to keep moving forward because we can't stop time''. Yarraji's mother never pressured her to win medals, instead emphasizing health and self-satisfaction. This positive outlook, along with support from her coach James Hillier and a supportive team, has been crucial for Yarraji.

Holding the national record of 12.78 seconds, Yarraji acknowledges the pressure of her Olympic debut but tries to remain calm through meditation. ''I don't have Olympic experience, but my past competitions give me confidence,'' she said. ''It will be tough in Paris, but I'll focus on my race to replicate my training results,'' added the Reliance Foundation athlete.

(With inputs from agencies.)