Having disabilities is no hindrance in pursuing one's dreams. Tilotama Ikareth's life is a testimony to it. The Kerala girl will be part of the Olympic torch relay team in the French town of Gennevilliers on July 24, just two days ahead of the Games' opening ceremony.

The 20-year-old, who was born with a partially paralysed right arm and has dyslexia, studied till Class 7 at Pallikoodam in Kottayam. Her father Joe Ikareth is a noted fashion designer and hails from Kottayam, while her French mother Murielle is a creative movement therapist.

"I finished my tenth through home schooling and after the Covid-19 pandemic we decided to move to France to have new opportunities. I visited INSEP (The National Institute of Sport, Expertise and Performance in Paris) and tried my hand at para-taekwondo. The coach of the French team had encouraging words for me and I have been pursuing the sport ever since. My aim is to make it to the French para-taekwondo team and compete in the 2028 Paralympics (in Los Angeles). I also want to become a physical education teacher," Tilotama told Onmanorama over the phone.

Tilotama will be carrying the Olympic torch along with 23 other para-taekwondo athletes. She terms it as a 'life-changing' event.

"None of this would be possible without the support of my mama, papa and big brother (Theo)," added Tilotama.

Tilotama with her parents and brother. Photo: Special Arrangement
Tilotama with her parents and brother. Photo: Special Arrangement

Joe, who is an alumnus of the National Institute of Fashion Technology, started Move Ability Clothing line that provides clothing solutions for the differently-abled in 2016. Murielle, who was running an Ayurvedic centre at Kalathipady during her stay in Kottayam, is now the director of a music school in Bellot, which is one hour's drive from Paris.

"Apart from taekwondo, Tilotama likes football and singing. We hope she makes to the national para-taekwondo team," said Murielle.

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