Sam was a quiet boy in school. While the other kids in his class played football and looked neat in their school uniforms, he was thin and weak. His arms were like sticks, and his uniform hung loose on his body. Some children made fun of him and called him “Skeleton.” Even relatives taunted him, saying, “Don’t you get enough food?” Sam avoided looking in the mirror because the words echoed in his head. He was deeply hurt by the constant teasing.
Frustrated by being called “Skeleton,” he decided to eat as much food as he could. He started eating junk food like pizza, burgers, fries, and cake. Soon, he began to put on weight! Months passed, and he grew bigger and bigger. The teasing started again. This time they called him “Fatty” or “Balloon.” Now he was hurt even more.
One evening, he thought, ”Enough is enough. I need to be strong.”
The next day, he joined the gym. At first, it was very hard. His arms couldn’t lift the weights, and after a few minutes of running, he would feel out of breath.
At times he thought, “Maybe I can’t do this. Maybe everyone was right about me.” He remembered the names they had called him.
Taking a deep breath, he thought, “I won’t give up… I want to be strong for myself.” So he got up, wiped his sweat, and tried again. The next day he came back, and the next, and the next. After a few days, he got used to it. Every day, Sam showed up at the gym and worked out with dedication. Slowly, his body began to change. His arms no longer trembled as much, his breath lasted longer, and every small victory gave him the courage to keep going.
His muscles began to show, and his body grew stronger and stronger. Everyone around him was surprised. After a few years of hard work, he was chosen to represent India in a bodybuilding competition. He went to Japan. He found it difficult to adjust at first, but he didn’t let his fears get the best of him. The day of the competition arrived. The stadium was packed, and bright spotlights swept across the stage.
Music thumped in the background as the announcer’s voice echoed through the hall. He remembered the hours he had spent in the gym, the sweat, the struggles, and the courage it had taken to keep going. “I belong here,” he told himself. When his name was called, Sam stepped onto the stage. He struck his first pose. The crowd erupted in cheers, and all his fear melted away.
When the winners were announced, Sam’s name came first. The crowd cheered, and Sam smiled. Once called “Skeleton” and “Fatty Balloon,” he now stood tall as a champion. His journey had proved that true strength comes from believing in yourself and never giving up.