India’s sprinter Simran Sharma added another medal to the country’s tally at the Paris Paralympics by winning bronze in the Women’s 200m – T12 event on Saturday. The sprinter from Ghaziabad finished with a time of 24.75, which is also her personal best, securing her spot on the podium.
First Paralympic medal for Simran
This is Simran Sharma’s first-ever Paralympic medal. Previously, she clinched two silver medals at the Asian Para Games in the 100m T12 and 200m T12 events. Earlier this year, she also won a gold medal at the World Championships in Kobe.
Disappointment in 100m T12
Earlier in the Paris Paralympics, Simran faced disappointment in the Women’s 100m T12 final. Although she reached the final, she narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth with a time of 12.31 seconds.
Overcoming childhood challenges to win Paralympic medal
Growing up in Ghaziabad, Simran was born prematurely at six and a half months, which led to visual impairment. She spent over six months in an incubator and faced frequent teasing from neighbors about her walking posture.
Her father practiced medicine, and despite their limited resources, Simran excelled academically. She attended Rukmani Modi Mahila Inter College in Modinagar, where she discovered her talent for athletics. Participating in inter-college competitions helped her develop her skills and confidence, marking the beginning of her professional athletic career
