Kochi: P U Chithra won her third gold in the meet on record time when she outran her closest rival Jessy Joseph in the senior girls 1500 m.
As she stepped down from the podium and looked at the gold-plated medallion Chithra realised it was perhaps the final track medal she held from the schools athletics.
It is her final year in the schools meet and once she clears her +2 from Mundur HSS this academic year she would no longer be eligible to compete at the level. After five triumphant years in the schools athletics Chithra has arrived at the crucial juncture when she has to bid goodbye and prepare for the next level.
“As I look back it has been a joyful five years. I've competed in 14 finals and all of them have been gold. But now my school years are about over and I have to join and college and move on,“ said Chithra, grateful for the golden years she has lived out on the tracks of the school meets.
The unassuming teenager is now prepared to take on the challenge of the women's category . Her plan is to join Mercy College in Palakkad and continue her studies and career in athletics simultaneously .
“It will be a lot tougher when I reach the women's category . All the athletes are experienced and much better than me. My coach Sijin sir says I must stop 3000 and 5000 and focus on 1500 and start into 800 m as well,“ she said.
With 8 gold medals in national schools Chithra has virtually ruled the schools meet. But time has come for her to say goodbye. She might not be the best in the next level, but she aspires to be one.
Good luck Chithra.
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