Over the years we have enrolled Sarah in many extracurricular activities. She has learned ballet, tap and jazz, excelling in these classes and earning many certificates. Being over-protective parents of preemie baby we decided to boost her self-esteem.
Two years back we enrolled her in a martial arts class.
Sarah was very focused since day one and her dedication towards Taekwondo at age six, earned her the position of leader in her training class.
“Seeing my daughter’s determination I joined Taekwondo as well. I have had training in kickboxing and martial arts when I was in India, before Sarah was born. After Sarah, my priorities changed. I gave up everything so I could be a deserving dad to little Sarah. But she inspired me. She is my teacher. I am never afraid to ask her “Sarah can you teach me this and that? How did you do this, it’s awesome! And this is how I motivate her by learning moves from her.”
Sarah earned eight gold medals within her first year. She began training in martial arts Taekwondo in August 2012. She has won National and International competitions with 14 medals within her first year. In October of 2012, she competed in the 2012 New England Open Taekwondo Championship and received her first gold medal. Then in June of 2013, she competed Boston International Taekwondo Championship and received another gold medal. She got silver and gold for 2013 kids New England Open Taekwondo Championship. In March of 2013, she competed in the Connecticut State Taekwondo Association Championship. She won a gold, which qualified her for the Junior Olympics Nationals.
The National Junior Olympic competition is an open competition for candidates who are chosen to compete by the state and their senseis (coach). This event took place in July 2013 in Chicago, where she won three bronze medals for the Sparring, Poomse and creative breaking events.
(Above): Sarah with her little sister, Simmone.
When she goes to compete in any competition, her friends are confident Sarah will return with a medal. The mantra to her success is no pressure. She is always relaxed, giggling with her little sister and playing games while others practice.
Sarah wants to become a Nickelodeon actress, voice artist, doctor, painter, Olympian, teacher, and a taekwondo coach for her little sister.
A remarkable young girl who is intelligent, outgoing, and friendly, Sarah loves to learn and is not afraid to try new things.
We are proud of her and consider ourselves fortunate every time we attend the Main Medical Center preemie parents meeting. Having seen a lot of parents lose hope about their kids, we feel Sarah’s story will definitely inspire all preemie kids and their parents in believing in themselves.
Recently, Sarah won three gold medals as a Blue belt for Sparring, Poomse, and Board Breaking. In this competition she didn’t have any girl in her age group for Sparring. “I would love to fight with the boys, I am not scared of anyone,” said Sarah. She beat the boy in Sparring competition.
Though an American-born, Sarah is very close to her Indian roots. She was awarded the March of Dimes title for her journey from preemie to Junior Olympic medalist. Mom Seema and dad Sunny are confident she will one day win the Olympics medal for Taekwondo, doing proud to her own country, the United States, and to India.
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