Journalism of Courage
Gold medallist of the 100m sprint at the CYG 2008,Bhagyashree Shirke,says that eating meals on time is the secret to her good health
Our Maharashtran diet is most nutritious, says 20-year-old Bhagyashree Shirke,gold medalist in the 100m sprinter at the Commonwealth Youth Games 2008. A heavy breakfast of parathas,a balanced lunch comprising rice and a light dinner with chapattis should be eaten at a fixed time everyday. I was advised to eat at hourly intervals but that regime wasnt possible for me to follow because I had to attend college lectures. However,I am very strict about eating my meals on time, she says.
Aspiring to win the gold medal for the senior level at the next Commonwealth Games as well as completing her engineering degree with flying colours,Bhageshwari says,I wake up at 4 am and study for two hours after which I practice on the field till 8 am. I have just about half an hour to get ready and have breakfast before rushing for my lectures. For lunch,her plate is full of green vegetables and sprouts. The afternoon hours,between 3.30 and 5 pm,are for her to unwind and relax. Then,it’s back to the field to start sprinting and exercising till 8 pm, she says.
Perseverance drives every athlete. Whether it’s a job or a field of study or a sport,you will only succeed if you enjoy doing it. It is this passion that makes it possible for me to balance sprinting and engineering together, says the athlete who is now preparing for her third year examinations at P B G College of Engineering. When she’s not studying or running,she plays basketball and throw ball. A healthy diet is what keeps her going,she says. I also have protein powder to add to my strength.
