Anasuya Mathur, a Delhi resident and avid athletics enthusiast, defied the odds to volunteer at the Paris Olympics despite her recent cancer diagnosis. After undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, Mathur was determined to experience the Olympic spirit firsthand.
Despite initial resistance from her doctor, Mathur found a physician who accommodated her Olympic aspirations into her chemotherapy schedule. She spent a week and a half at the La Defense Arena, where she witnessed the swimming competitions and the emergence of new aquatic stars.
Mathur’s Olympic journey began in London 2012, where she volunteered at the athletics venue. She has since participated in every Summer Olympics except Tokyo 2020, which was impacted by the pandemic. While she initially hoped to work at the Stade de France for the athletics events, she opted to assist at the swimming venue with her longtime Olympics manager.
Despite enjoying the swimming competitions, Mathur expressed disappointment at missing the javelin final featuring Indian star Neeraj Chopra. However, she emphasized that her 10 days at the Olympics were an unforgettable experience.
Mathur’s unwavering determination and passion for the Olympics serve as an inspiration to all. Her story highlights the transformative power of sports and the resilience of the human spirit.
