Himalayan mountaineering instructor quits job to chase Olympic dream
Himalayan mountaineer quits job for potential sporting glory
- Bhavani Thekkada, an Indian cross-country skier, is pursuing an unlikely Olympic dream for the Milan Cortina Winter Games, having discovered the sport later in life.
- She made history by winning India’s first international medal in women’s cross-country skiing, securing a bronze in a 5-kilometre race in Chile last September.
- Thekkada faces significant challenges, including being largely self-funded and lacking the extensive team support enjoyed by her elite competitors, often placing last in World Cup events.
- Despite these hurdles, her journey is inspiring a new generation in India, and she uses her growing public profile to advocate for greater government support for winter sports athletes.
- With an upcoming event in Davos, Switzerland, as her last chance for a 2026 Olympic quota spot, Thekkada remains determined, also setting her sights on the 2030 French Alps Olympics.