Article on M75 vaulter from India

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http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_ ... 070007.htm

Age no barrier for 75-year-old thrower PL Sharma

Deepika Sharma

New Delhi, September 11, 2005

Nothing is impossible for a willing mind.

For Prem Lal Sharma, a 75-yearold veteran athlete, these words motivated him to achieve something not many can at this age. Proudly flaunting his gold and silver medals at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday, Sharma pointed out his proudest possession -- silver in javelin -which he won at the recently concluded World Masters Championships in Spain.

Sharma's success in such a prestigious international meet has not satiate his appetite, as he expressed his disappointment at not winning a medal in the other two disciplines long jump and pole vault.

"I started my preparation two months before (the event) but was not able to set a target in the two events since I was clueless about my opponents," said Sharma.

"I ended in fifth position," he added.

To realise his dream, Sharma travelled nearly two hours everyday from his home in Yamuna Vihar to reach Nehru Stadium and practice. He won gold in javelin at a National level veteran meet in Chennai in April and qualified for Donostia, San Sebastian in Spain.

But Sharma had to face lot of adversity in his run-up to Spain. "Nehru Stadium was too far away from where I lived, so I went to Delhi University's sports complex, but they refused to provide me pole vault equipments. Eventually, I went without practice," Sharma said angrily.

Sharma, a retired PA in the Sports Ministry, seemed very impressed with the way athletes are trained in the European countries.

"I have travelled to many countries in Europe and I've been amazed with the way parents encourage children to get into sports," said Sharma. "Such support from parents is missing in India," he added.

Does the secret behind Sharma's physical and mental toughness lie in his family's unconditional support? "Of course, my family has played the most crucial role. It has always encouraged me to follow my dreams, irrespective of my age," he said with a grin.

Back in 1985, Sharma was also the first government servant of the Sports Ministry to win three gold medals in javelin, pole vault and high jump in the Asian Veteran Athletics Championships in Singapore.

While Sharma's family celebrated his success, another good news was awaiting him; soon the Ministry informed Sharma he had become the Asian record holder in the age group of 55-59, after he jumped of 1.45 metres in high jump.

"I was jubilant after winning three gold in Singapore, but I was the happiest man on the planet when I was told that I had become the Asian record holder," Sharma said, the excitement still visible in his eyes.

Sharma has always been an avid sports follower and the recent dope cases have left him disappointed. "To attain success, one does not need to take any shortcuts.

To turn dreams into reality you have to concentrate and work hard," he said. "Doping is a sin," he added.

When asked about the routine he follows to stay so fit, Sharma said waking up early and going for a long jog helps him stay healthy. "After getting up at 4.30 every morning I go for a jog, which keeps me in good shape," he said.

Veteran athletics might not be big in India but Sharma's determination could be a driving force for various others his age to step out and live their dreams.

There is no looking back for Sharma from here, his next milestone -2007, Italy.