In this Episode of the NoShortcuts podcast, we have Parashuram Chenji from Hyderabad. Parashuram is a 2x National Road cyclist medalist who is now a full-time personal coach and football trainer. Since he has been there, done that and understands the value of the the right guidance, he is now guiding aspiring young adults to help achieve their sporting dream. In this episode of the #NoShortcuts Podcast, we unravel Parashuram's journey and bring out the life lessons he has to share for someone who is looking out to become big in sport. He talks about

• his early days
• what it takes to become an athlete
• how to deal with injuries
• Football coaching & Personal Trainer
• His message to viewers
  & a lot of humour in between.

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In this episode of the #NoShortcuts Podcast, we sit down with Corina Van Dam, a Dutch endurance athlete and sports advocate who has been based in Mumbai since 2016, working with the Maitrayana Foundation.

Her mission? To bring more women into sports and use it as a powerful tool for transformation.

We unravel her incredible journey—from her early days as a football coach to working in mental health for over 20 years, volunteering in Kenya, and now leading impactful initiatives in India. Corina passionately shares her belief in the power of sports to drive social change and uplift communities.

Without further ado, tune into this inspiring conversation!

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What does it take to defy the odds, embrace challenges, and inspire others? Meet Huafrid Billimoria, an endurance triathlete living with dystonia—a rare neurological condition. Despite the hurdles, Huafrid has become an Ironman, proving that resilience and determination can overcome any obstacle. 💪 In this episode of #NoShortcuts, Huafrid opens up about his incredible journey. He shares how he fought his way through life with an iron will, why he does what he does, and what keeps him going. From breaking barriers to redefining endurance sports, Huafrid highlights the importance of inclusivity, diversity, and equity in every step of his journey. 🏅 Huafrid’s Achievements:

• FIRST individual with dystonia in the world to swim 10 km in open waters back-to-back within a year.
• FASTEST person with dystonia to complete a Full Ironman.
• FIRST person with a disability in the world to bag 3 Ironman podium finishes in the PC category.
• FASTEST Indian with a disability to complete a Half and Full Ironman.
• Only the second Indian with a disability and second in the world with dystonia to complete an Ironman.
• FIRST person in the world with dystonia to swim nonstop for 12 hours, covering 17.3+ km.
• First Para Tri-athlete to bag an Asian Championship Podium, creating history for India.

Huafrid's story is one of perseverance, passion, and purpose, and it will leave you inspired to push your own boundaries. 🚴‍♂️

Chapter Markers-
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:22) - Early Life and Childhood Challenges
(04:10) - Overcoming Academic Obstacles
(08:44) - Experiences with Bullying and Abuse
(12:37) - Turning Disability into Ability
(14:34) - Diagnosis of Dystonia
(17:22) - Hotel Management and Physical Challenges
(20:27) - Navigating Job Opportunities and Discrimination
(22:54) - Turning Point and Discovering MMA
(25:14) - Transition to Endurance Sports and Initial Challenges
(28:36) - Achievements in Swimming and Open Water Challenges
(31:04) - Mental Health Struggles and Resilience
(33:25) - The Ironman Journey Begins
(35:20) - Cycling Challenges and Support
(38:11) - Ironman Achievements and Recognition
(40:02) - The Full Ironman Experience in South Africa
(43:54) - Representing India and Winning Bronze
(46:39) - Overcoming Obstacles in Uzbekistan
(48:54) - Message to Specially-Abled People
(51:54) - Promoting Inclusion in Society
(54:48) - Call for Support and Sponsorship
(57:39) - Final Thoughts and Gratitude

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