Jamshedpur, Nov. 26: If 16-year-old S. Sharanya got inspired to hit the tracks by watching her classmates in action, S.S. Vinoth found the zest by serving drinks from the sidelines to long-distance runners in the hilly terrain of Ooty.

Like Sharanya and Vinoth, there are several examples of special athletes who have inched to the path of glory despite odds staked heavily against them. It is by sheer guts and determination that they have reached thus far. Their enthusiasm was evident during the 13th National Athletic Championship.

“He trains the normal athletes in Chennai as they hold him in high esteem,” said P.V.S. Manian, manager of the Tamil Nadu contingent, while interpreting on behalf of Soosai Michael, who won gold medals in all the throw events of the Asia Pacific Games of the Deaf in Kuala Lumpur in 1996.

Married with three children, the 40-year-old got inspired to catch the iron ball and the javelin by watching famed throwers on TV.

“Soosai Michael interacted with several athletes of his ilk during the World Games of the Deaf in Los Angeles in 1985. Just rubbing shoulders with them was enough for him to finish on the seventh slot,” added Manian.

Besides getting encouragement by watching her classmates in action, Sharanya’s biggest inspiration is Anju Bobby Gearge. “Visit her room, you'll find big posters of the long jumper everywhere,” said her mother S. Maheshwari. The youngster today created a new national meet record in the junior category of 100m and long jump.

Twenty-year-old Vinoth career in athletics revolved around the hilly terrain of Ooty in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. “He everyday watched long-distance runners in action and got encouraged to follow suit. He is a superb athlete with lots of guts,” said Manian.

Despite a hamstring pull, Vinoth went on to win the 10,000 m gold today.