WHEN HE WAS just five, Mariyappan, suffered for no fault of his. He was hit by a bus, on way to school. His right leg was crushed in the accident.
Now at the age of 22, he is already a Gold medal winner at the Paralympics in high jump (T-42). Born in Periavadagampatti near Salem in Tamil Nadu, he is one of 5 siblings.
In IPC Grand Prix, Tunisia, Mariyappan qualified for the Rio Paralympics clearing a distance of 1.78 meters. He has completed his Bachelors in Business Administration.
Mariyappan's aim is to inspire the next generation and is a strong believer that nothing is impossible and feels elated to know people are taking up the sport.
In a short video, we hear him talk about his achievement and his plans.