At 80, Bakula Patel from Rander, Surat, is a shining example that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Endearingly called ‘Daringbaj Dadi’ (Daring Grandmother), she started swimming at 58 and has since won an astounding 530 medals in national and international competitions.
“I turned to swimming at 58, after finding ground sports unappealing, despite a significant fear of water,” she recalls. Overcoming her apprehension was not easy, but her determination led her to conquer the very element she once feared.
Patel’s initial attempts in the pool were hesitant, but her resolve grew stronger with each attempt. “Now, swimming feels indispensable, like I can skip a meal but not the pool,” she adds with a laugh. What began as a way to stay active turned into a lifelong love for the sport, and soon, her talent and dedication shone brightly.
Her journey has not been without challenges. After marriage, Patel faced skepticism and discrimination, experiences starkly different from her school days.
“Post-marriage, I encountered gossip and negativity, but I remained undeterred,” she shares. Rather than letting adversity hold her back, it strengthened her determination.
“I wanted to do something meaningful and inspire others,” Patel explains, embodying resilience and purpose.
Today, Bakula Patel’s achievements resonate far beyond her local community, inspiring countless individuals. Among her accolades are nine international medals, a testament to her exceptional skill and unwavering determination.
“Age is just a number to me; I still feel young at heart. With hard work and dedication, no task is too difficult,” she confidently states.
Patel’s transformation from a hesitant beginner to a celebrated athlete is a shining example of the power of passion and perseverance. Her story motivates people of all ages to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles, proving that it’s never too late to achieve greatness.
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