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Of an illustrious career

PhotoS (COVER AND CENTRESPREAD) : R.M. Rajarathinam

On a different track Making her presence felt

Shiny Wilson represented India in international athletic meets more than 75 times. No wonder then that training, competing and travelling kept Shiny busy during her close to two decades of sporting career.

Now, Shiny keeps herself occupied off the track, too.

In addition to executing her responsibilities as Deputy General Manager (Public Relations) in Food Corporation of India (FCI), she holds key posts in sports associations.

“I am also the president of Women Employees Welfare Association of FCI,” she is quick to add to reveal the socially responsible side of her. In fact, this post has helped her make lot of friends in Kollywood.

“For all her popularity, Kushboo is very down-to- earth and a good friend too. So is Meena. Devayani was the chief guest for the international women’s day celebrations organised by our association this year. Her presence certainly added attraction to the celebrations,” she recalls.

Born in Thodupuzha in Idukki district of Kerala, Shiny proved that humble beginnings are no impediment for making it big in the international scene.

“Those who aspire to do well in the international arena must work hard, persevere, and be focused even during difficult times. I used to run for nearly 20 km a day and that kind of practice laid a strong foundation for my career. Representing the country at the Olympics was my aim ever since I took up athletics seriously,” says the four-time Olympian.

Now settled in Tamil Nadu with husband Wilson Cherian, the former national swimming champion, does this mother of three children miss her native State? “What I miss the most is Kerala’s scenic beauty and the climate. But these days we enjoy Kerala during the vacations,” she says. Actually the only thing Shiny feared before settling down in Chennai was the weather.

“Initially, I was skeptical about the Chennai heat during summer. But nowadays my children prefer Chennai over Kerala. They love being here and so do I,” she smiles. That Shiny became Asian champion in 400m after attaining motherhood speaks volumes of her dedication and resolve. According to the star athlete, it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of her husband.

“He provided constant encouragement and motivated me to achieve. I consider myself very lucky,” she says.

So, does she consider it as the greatest accomplishment in her illustrious career?

“Certainly, I rate it very high in my list of achievements. But being the Indian team’s flag-bearer in the Barcelona Olympics was the momentous occasion of my career,” she says.

Being the children of international sports stars, do their kids wish to emulate their parents? “My son shows some signs of interest, but still it is too early to say whether he would take up sports seriously.”

“The problem with the present day children is that they remain glued to the TV. There are also academic pressures, but they need to devote time for sporting activities to be fit, let alone achieving,” she adds.

A god-fearing person, Shiny dedicates her success to the Almighty.

“But for his grace I would have been an ordinary village woman,” she says with all humility.

Factfile

Represented India in four Olympics - 1984 Los Angeles, 1988 Seoul, 1992 Barcelona and 1996 Atlanta. The first Indian woman to reach the Olympic 800m semi-final in the 1984 Los Angeles edition.

Both Shiny and Wilson Cherian are Arjuna awardees.

Recipient of the Padma Shri award.

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