by BIS Correspondent
NAVI MUMBAI, JUNE 6,2015: At 4.30 am, most nine-year-olds are asleep, but not Schaleen Fernandes, a student of Don Bosco School, Nerul.
Schaleen wakes up at that odd hour to slip on her roller skates to train. The hard work has payed off, she has over 50 medals to her credit.
Schaleen won her first medal at the age of five and has not looked back since. Her medal tally this year alone is an astounding six! One each at the long and short formats for Under-10 at a Skating Premier League and four at the Palm Rollers skating race.
In 2013, she has medalled thrice at the District under-11 level championship. She claimed top honours in skating in the ring and a silver on the road. She repeated her medal-run the following year, winning at the same events.
"I love skating, swimming and painting. But skating has always been my passion. I really enjoy getting up early and skating on the wide open road. It keeps me active the entire day," says Schaleen.
Her coach, A R Sanofar of Speed Track Skating Academy, has lauded his ward for her dedication.
"I have been training several kids for years. Schaleen has improved her performance each year through her sheer dedication and love for the sport," he said.