Chennai: Life has been tough for Mariyappan Thangavelu since the beginning. When he was just a child, his father left the family, leaving them in a difficult situation. His mother, who was now the sole breadwinner, took up a job as a daily wage laborer, carrying bricks to earn money. She earned Rs 100 a day, and this meager amount was all they had to survive. Despite these challenges, Mariyappan’s mother never gave up. Eventually, she managed to open a small vegetable shop to provide a better life for her children.
Tragic Accident at the Age of 5
Mariyappan’s life took a tragic turn when he was only 5 years old. One day, while on his way to school, a bus driven by a drunk driver ran over his right leg. The accident was so severe that he lost his leg. For many, this would have been the end of their dreams, but Mariyappan was different. Even after losing his leg, he didn’t lose hope. He never saw himself as different from the other children and continued to pursue his dreams with determination.
Making History in the Paralympics
Mariyappan’s positive attitude and never-give-up spirit led him to achieve something remarkable. He became the only Indian athlete to win medals in three consecutive Paralympics. His journey began with a gold medal at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, followed by a silver at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, and a bronze at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. All of these medals were won in the men’s high jump T63 event. In Paris, he jumped 1.85 meters to secure the bronze medal, making his country proud once again.
Giving Back to His Mother
Mariyappan has never forgotten the sacrifices his mother made for him. After winning the medals in Rio and Tokyo, he used the prize money to buy land for his mother to farm, ensuring a more stable income for the family. He also built a new house for them, improving their living conditions. Mariyappan’s love and respect for his mother are evident in every step he takes.
A True Inspiration
Mariyappan Thangavelu’s journey from a small village in Tamil Nadu to the global stage of the Paralympics is truly inspiring. Despite the challenges and hardships he faced, he never lost faith in himself. He has been honored with prestigious awards like the Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, and Padma Shri, and he holds a degree in Business Administration. Mariyappan’s story is a powerful reminder that with determination and support, even the greatest obstacles can be overcome.
