Shyamali Singh's tale is of grit, determination and courage. A long distance runner who had to overcome odds, is now winning at life.
The road has never been easy, but Shyamali has fought her way through difficult circumstances to live life on her own terms.?This 26-year-old from Midnapore district in West Bengal was diagnosed with a breast tumour two years back, after she returned from Thailand Cross Country.?
While it is a disease that can affect you mentally and physically, Shyamali was not going to let it break her down.? Two years on from beating breast cancer, she? didn't disappoint in TSK 25K, when she finished second on Sunday with a timing of 1:39:02.??
"I come from the family of farmers in Midnapore. We are not well off. My husband Santosh is my coach also and we decided to fight it together. I needed money for my treatment and so I participated in Mumbai Marathon. I was determined to make a podium finish to get the money for my treatment," Shyamali told IANS after her silver medal performance at the TSK 25K.? ?
Two years later, after being cleared of cancer she has returned to running and again put up a spectacular show. Till the 17-km mark she led the Indian women's team, before a cramp on her right stomach slowed her down.?
She puked twice allowing Kiranjeet Kaur who was second to overtake her and breast the winner's tape. She finished six seconds behind Kiranjeet.??
A tale than can't get any better - fighting breast cancer, coming back and winning a medal. It tells a lot about the character and fight that is Shyamali.??