Today I had the pleasure of reuniting with Sharda Ugra over lunch in Bengaluru, a meeting that felt like a bridge connecting the past and present of my journey. The story of our connection takes us back to the moment when a young, 17-year-old me was embarking on his first Olympic Games to Sydney—a journey first captured by Sharda's insightful interviewing. Our story weaves through the highs and lows of an athlete's life, particularly a poignant moment in Athens, where, despite breaking an Olympic record, I faced a heartbreaking defeat, finishing 7th. In the whirlwind of emotions that followed, feeling the weight of my world turned upside down, I confessed to Sharda, "I am done. I want to give up." Yet, it was in that moment of despair that Sharda, with the utmost kindness, told me what then seemed like nonsense, "You will win gold in Beijing." And as fate would have it, her words turned into a prophetic encouragement that led me to scream, just minutes after winning the Olympic gold in Beijing, "You were so right!" Reflecting on that journey, it's clear that while it was Sharda’s job to report on my meltdown in the Olympic final—which I am sure she did—she first approached me as a human being who was in despair. Her gentle and kind words in that moment of despair had a profound impact on me. It is a testament to the power of empathy and the strength that comes from the support of those who believe in us, even when we doubt ourselves. Sharda Ugra remains my favorite sports journalist, not merely because of this personal story but due to the quality of her work and the integrity with which she approaches it. For over two decades, Sharda has played a significant role in writing about athletes and their journeys, capturing not just the achievements, but the human spirit behind each victory and defeat. As I share this story, it's a reminder of the incredible people we meet along our journey, whose belief in us can light the path to our greatest achievements. Sharda, thank you for being a beacon of inspiration, not just for me, but for countless athletes whose stories you've told with such grace and empathy. Here's to the power of words, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unbreakable bonds formed through the love of sport. 🌟 #Gratitude #Inspiration #OlympicJourney