Who is Mariyappan Thangavelu, labourer's son with a crushed leg who has achieved a unique Paralympics feat?

After a remarkable performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Mariyappan Thangavelu has once again etched his name in history. The 28-year-old para high jumper has become the first Indian athlete to secure medals at three consecutive Paralympic Games, adding a hard-earned bronze to his collection from Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.

Thangavelu, who won gold in Rio 2016 and silver in Tokyo 2020, clinched his third Paralympic medal in the men’s high jump T63 category in Paris. His bronze came in a fiercely competitive event, where fellow Indian Sharad Kumar took the silver.

The T63 class is reserved for athletes with limb deficiencies such as amputations or congenital deformities in their legs, adding a layer of difficulty to their high jump attempts.

A closer look at Mariyappan Thangavelu’s inspiring story

Mariyappan Thangavelu's journey began in the small village of Periavadagampatti in Tamil Nadu's Salem district. Born into a family of six children, he faced immense challenges from a young age. His father left the family early on, and his mother, Saroja, took on the role of sole breadwinner.?

She worked as a bricklayer and vegetable vendor, earning a mere Rs. 100 a day to support her children, while still ensuring they had access to education.

However, life took a tragic turn for Mariyappan when he was just five years old. A drunk bus driver ran over him, crushing his right leg below the knee. The accident left him with a permanent disability. Despite the physical and emotional pain, Mariyappan refused to let his disability define him. He continued his schooling, determined to rise above his circumstances.

From a young age, Mariyappan had a passion for sports, which caught the attention of his school’s physical education teacher. Recognizing his natural ability in athletics, his teacher encouraged him to take up high jump, and Mariyappan quickly excelled in local competitions.

His talent didn’t go unnoticed. In 2015, para-athletics coach Mr. Satyanarayana invited Mariyappan to join his training camp in Bengaluru.?

Paris Paralympics 2024: Sharad Kumar Wins Silver and Mariyappan Thangavelu wins Bronze in Men's High Jump T63
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Under his expert guidance, Mariyappan honed his skills, eventually becoming the first Indian para-athlete to win a gold medal in high jump at the Paralympics. His inspiring journey has not only earned him international recognition but also several prestigious national honors, including the Padma Shri, Arjuna Award (2017), and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (2020).

Currently, Mariyappan serves as a Senior Coach at the Sports Authority of India, continuing to contribute to the country's sporting landscape.

Jubilant celebrations in Mariyappan’s village

The news of Mariyappan’s bronze medal win in Paris sparked celebrations in his village, Periavadagampatti, located in Tamil Nadu’s Salem district. On Tuesday night, the streets were filled with the sound of firecrackers as locals came together to celebrate his third Paralympics medal, according to a report from revsportz.in.

The event in Paris had been a thrilling contest, with Mariyappan facing tough competition from both his fellow countryman Sharad Kumar and American athlete Ezra Frech. Mariyappan had briefly taken the lead with a best jump of 1.85 meters, but his subsequent attempts to clear higher heights were unsuccessful. Sharad Kumar and Ezra Frech went on to surpass him, but Mariyappan’s performance still secured a well-deserved bronze.

Despite the village’s joyful celebration and his mother’s pride, Mariyappan is not entirely satisfied. After his gold medal at the Rio 2016 Paralympics and silver in Tokyo three years ago, the bronze in Paris feels like unfinished business to him. His mother, Saroja, spoke with deep pride in front of TV cameras, saying, “My son has done Tamil Nadu and the nation proud. I am sure he will continue to win more laurels.”

Her words highlight the incredible resilience that has defined Mariyappan’s life. His story, especially how he overcame his disability and the encouragement from his school’s physical education teacher, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship, a particularly fitting thought on Teacher’s Day, which commemorates the birth of S. Radhakrishnan, former President of India.

Mariyappan sets his sights on LA 2028 gold

Speaking to MyKhel after the competition, Mariyappan opened up about his determination to aim for gold once more. “I had worked very hard to win the gold in Paris,” he said, his voice filled with determination. “I don’t know how I missed it this time, but I am happy with the bronze medal. Winning three Paralympic medals is something I’m really proud of.”

Also Read:?Who is Sachin Khilari, shot put champion who overcame life-changing injury to win silver at Paris Paralympics?

Though there was a hint of disappointment in his words, his resolve remained strong. He is already looking ahead to the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, where he hopes to claim the gold medal that narrowly eluded him in Paris. “I will surely participate in the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles, and I will work hard to win the gold medal there,” he said confidently.

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