Olympian Anju Bobby George Reveals How She Won The Bronze In 2003

KOCHI: Olympian Anju Bobby George, who secured a historic bronze medal in the 2003 World Athletics Championship in Paris, on Monday, made a shocking revelation that she achieved success and reached the top with a single kidney.

In a tweet, the ace athlete, a gold medallist in the IAAF World Athletics Finals (Monaco, 2005), said she had many limitations, including being allergic to even a painkiller, but still made it.

"Believe it or not, I'm one of the fortunate, among very few who reached the world top with a single KIDNEY, allergic with even a painkiller, with a dead takeoff leg...Many limitations..still made it. Can we call, magic of a coach or his talent," Anju tweeted.

Believe it or not, I'm one of the fortunate, among very few who reached the world top with a single KIDNEY, allergic with even a painkiller, with a dead takeoff leg.. Many limitations. still made it. Can we call, magic of a coach or his talent @KirenRijiju @afiindia @Media_SAI pic.twitter.com/2kbXoH61BX

— Anju Bobby George (@anjubobbygeorg1) December 7, 2020

Responding to her tweet, Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju said she brought laurels to India through her hard work, grit and determination.

"Anju, it's your hard work, grit and determination to bring laurels for India supported by the dedicated coaches and the whole technical backup team.We are so proud of you being the only Indian so far to win a medal in the World Athletic Championship!" the minister said in his response to her tweet.

Anju, it's your hard work, grit and determination to bring laurels for India supported by the dedicated coaches and the whole technical backup team.

We are so proud of you being the only Indian so far to win a medal in the World Athletic Championship! https://t.co/8O7EyhF2ZC pic.twitter.com/qhH2PQOmNe

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) December 7, 2020

The Athletics Federation of India said as India's only medallist at the IAAF World Championships (Paris, 2003), a gold medallist in the IAAF World Athletics Finals (Monaco, 2005) and a remarkably consistent performer throughout her wonderful career, Anju is among the country's most inspirational track and field stars. From a 5.98m jumper in 1996, her rise was encouraging but she blossomed fully under the coaching of her husband Robert Bobby George.