India, Jan. 17 -- Shortly after arriving at the Anju Bobby High-Performance Centre in Bengaluru last June, Shaili Singh isolated herself from the outside world, immersing herself in Punjabi music within her room, where she expressed her emotions through tears and dance. This was the 21-year-old's method of releasing the built-up frustration and confronting the mental challenges that had overshadowed her typically vibrant personality.

Despite reminding herself to maintain a broader perspective—that the season had been marred by injuries, that she was still in the early stages of her career, and that surpassing the 20-year-old national record set by her mentor Anju (6.83m) was a formidable challenge—the relentless thoughts persisted.

"It was a difficult time. I felt as though I had disappointed both myself and my family," she reflects. This pervasive feeling of inadequacy led Shaili to refrain from returning home during the Olympics, as she believed her mother should not witness her in a state of despair.

She experienced the Olympics in isolation, often contemplating the possibilities that might have unfolded had her physical condition been more favorable in the critical months leading up to the Paris Games. While the thrilling men's javelin final offered some comfort, Shaili found herself repeatedly drawn into a cycle of negativity.

I provided support to our athletes, some of whom are friends and others I hold in high regard. Nevertheless, I ultimately had to face my own shortcomings in solitude. This proved to be a difficult experience.

Recognized as a promising talent following her under-20 World Championships medal four years ago, Shaili has yet to attain significant success in major international events. She did not qualify for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, finished fifth at the Hangzhou Asian Games, and missed the chance to participate in the Paris Games.

"I never really had a proper build-up for the Olympics. The injuries just kept coming which completely derailed my training plans," she states.

Her challenges began with a bout of Covid in March 2023, which sidelined her for a month. Even after her recovery, she struggled with persistent fatigue. Subsequently, she sustained a shoulder injury at the Asian Games, disrupting her off-season preparations.

"Off-season build-up is very critical for an athlete, but going into the Olympic year, I could never load up properly. I barely lifted weights, my strength went down, and it all showed in my performance."

Additionally, she has been contending with a recurring issue in her left ankle. This injury, affecting her take-off ankle for the past two years, has led Shaili to undergo Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy.

"It's kind of a sprain that keeps coming back. It's not severe enough to require surgery but certainly impacts my take-off," Shaili explains. She has been managing the pain with medication and taping.

Her coach, Robert Bobby George, adjusted her run-up last season, but the desired results did not materialize. "That's because I couldn't commit myself to jumps, thanks to my injury. Take-off is my weakest component of the jump, and barring one or two efforts throughout the year, I never really took off," she remarks.

As the qualification deadline drew near, Shaili undertook a month-long series of six competitions across Europe, managing to achieve a maximum jump of 6.43m, while the qualification standard for Paris was set at 6.86m.

"My body feels fantastic. My rep range has increased, and I have already surpassed my personal best in the gym. By the time the season commences, I expect to exceed it further. I am confident that the effort invested in training will translate into success on the field."

Shaili is scheduled to enter the long jump pit next month, with plans to kick off her season in March or April. With the Asian Championships and World Championships slated for the latter half of the year, she has established her priorities. "It will be a gradual progression. I aim to avoid peaking too soon. The World Championships will be the most significant event for me this year, and I will strategize my peak performance accordingly. Most importantly, I am feeling optimistic once again." 

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