Chapter 8: Reach for the Top

Part I: Santosh Yadav

This part of the chapter tells the inspiring story of Santosh Yadav, the only woman in the world to have scaled Mount Everest twice. Born in a patriarchal society in a small village of Haryana, she defied traditional norms from a young age. Instead of conforming to conventional expectations of marriage and lifestyle, she pursued an education and developed a passion for mountaineering. Her strong will, determination, and resistance to traditional pressures allowed her to carve out a unique path, demonstrating that true success lies in following one's own convictions.

Santosh Yadav: Questions & Answers

1. Why was Santosh sent to a local school despite her family's wealth?

   Santosh was sent to a local school due to the prevalent custom in her village which did not prioritize sending girls to schools, especially prestigious ones, regardless of wealth.

2. When did Santosh leave home for Delhi? Why?

   Santosh left home for Delhi at the age of sixteen because she refused to get married and wanted to pursue higher education, a decision against her family's wishes at that time.

3. How did Santosh's parents react to her decision to pursue mountaineering?

   Initially, her parents resisted her unconventional path and threatened to stop funding her education. However, Santosh remained firm, and eventually, they relented and supported her.

4. What special qualities did Santosh possess that helped her climb Everest?

   Santosh possessed immense physical endurance, mental toughness, an iron will, a rebellious spirit to defy norms, and a caring attitude towards fellow climbers, which were crucial for her success.

5. What incident shows Santosh’s concern for her fellow climbers?

   During her first Everest expedition, she shared her oxygen with a dying climber (who unfortunately couldn't be saved) and successfully saved the life of another climber, Mohan Singh, by sharing her oxygen and warmth.

6. What did Santosh do for the environment?

   Santosh showed her concern for the environment by collecting and bringing down 500 kilograms of garbage from the Himalayas.

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Part II: Maria Sharapova

This section tells the story of Maria Sharapova, a Russian tennis sensation who rose from humble beginnings to become a world champion. Her journey highlights the immense sacrifices, disciplined training, and mental fortitude required to achieve greatness in competitive sports. At a very young age, Maria moved to the United States, leaving her family behind, to train at a tennis academy. Her resilience in the face of loneliness, cultural differences, and rigorous demands underscores her unwavering determination to "reach for the top."

Maria Sharapova: Questions & Answers

1. How old was Maria when she was sent to the United States?

   Maria was just nine years old when she was sent to the United States.

2. Why was Maria sent to the United States?

   Maria was sent to the United States for professional tennis training at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida.

3. What difficulties did Maria face in the U.S.?

   Maria faced loneliness, homesickness, financial constraints, and bullying from older students, besides the demanding tennis training.

4. What quality of Maria Sharapova impressed her tennis coach?

   Her strong determination, mental toughness, and willingness to endure hardship and work hard impressed her coaches.

5. What does Maria attribute her success to?

   Maria attributes her success to her hard work, grit, and mental toughness, along with the sacrifices made by her parents.

6. What is Maria's message to budding tennis players?

   Maria's message is that sacrifices are worth it if you are determined and ready to work hard. She emphasizes the importance of dedication and never giving up.