Nothing can stop you from chasing your dream when there is a real fire in you. At 37, Lorraine D’Costa from Kollam in Kerala is making it big in the world of endurance cycling, proving that dreams have no expiry date.
Lorraine got into cycling at the age of 31, when most aspiring sportspersons have either reached the peak of their careers or retired. But for Lorraine, age is just a number.
Born with a passion for sports and athletics, Lorraine always dreamed of becoming an athlete. However, societal expectations and career priorities pushed her aspirations to the backseat. It wasn’t until she turned 31 that she finally got on a bicycle. In 2018, she began with a 200-km long tandem cycling event, and it gave her the confidence to go solo.
“Cycling started as a way to stay active. But soon, I realised that I loved the thrill of pushing my limits. That’s when I knew I wanted to do this seriously,” she said.
Her journey from a beginner to an endurance cyclist was not without challenges. She had to build her stamina from scratch. Her dedication paid off when she successfully completed her 400-km solo ride from Kochi to Udumalpet. She has participated in championships in Kerala, Orissa, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
“Initially, many people doubted my ability to be an endurance cyclist. But I believe it’s never too late to follow your passion,” she says.
In the last six years, she has won many accolades from around the world, participating in international events in London, Malaysia, Singapore, and Philippines. She became the third Indian and the first Malayali to earn the title of International Super Randonneur and also the first woman cyclist in Kerala to bag the triple Super Randonneur title.
“Age is never a barrier to chase your childhood passion. You just need determination, discipline, and the courage to start,” she said.
As Lorraine D’Costa continues to push her limits, preparing for the national and international events lined up ahead, she is not just chasing a childhood dream but inspiring other women to think beyond the four walls of their homes.
