Summary In English: A Swimmer’s GLory
Michael Swenson loved swimming and practiced daily. Seeking recognition, he entered a 10-mile swimming race. He trained hard for four weeks. On race day, many competitors and thousands of spectators arrived. Michael took an early lead, but at the halfway point, fatigue and self-doubt crept in. Just as he considered quitting, he regained his determination and pushed harder.
Near the finish, a competitor overtook him, and Michael came second. Though he didn’t win, the crowd applauded him. A confused bystander learned the reason—Michael had only one arm. Despite this, he had nearly won the race. His courage and determination won everyone’s admiration.
In Hindi:
माइकल स्वेंसन को तैराकी बहुत पसंद थी और वह रोज़ अभ्यास करता था। पहचान पाने की चाह में उसने 10 मील की तैराकी प्रतियोगिता में हिस्सा लिया। उसने चार हफ्ते कड़ी मेहनत की। प्रतियोगिता के दिन हजारों लोग देखने आए। माइकल ने शुरुआत में बढ़त बना ली लेकिन आधे रास्ते पर थकान और नकारात्मक विचारों ने उसे घेर लिया। पर उसने हार नहीं मानी और खुद को फिर से प्रेरित किया।
आखिरी में एक तैराक ने उसे पीछे छोड़ दिया और माइकल दूसरे स्थान पर रहा। फिर भी, दर्शकों ने उसी की सराहना की। एक महिला ने पूछा कि वो हार गया फिर भी सभी उसकी तारीफ क्यों कर रहे हैं। जवाब मिला—”क्योंकि अगर उसके दोनों हाथ होते, तो वह जरूर जीत जाता।” माइकल की हिम्मत और दृढ़ता ने सबका दिल जीत लिया।
Word Meanings Table
Word | Meaning (English) | Meaning (Hindi) |
Lap | One complete round or length | एक चक्कर या दूरी |
Recognition | Being known or acknowledged | पहचान |
Contestants | Participants in a competition | प्रतियोगी |
Astonishment | Great surprise | आश्चर्य |
Fatigue | Extreme tiredness | थकावट |
Rationalised | Gave a reason or excuse | तर्क दिया |
Glory | Fame and honor | यश और सम्मान |
Collapsed | Fell down due to tiredness | थक कर गिर जाना |
Spectators | People watching the event | दर्शक |
Gasping | Breathing heavily | हाँफना |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- What was Michael’s passion?
A) Running
B) Cycling
C) Swimming
D) Dancing
Answer: C) Swimming - How long was the race Michael participated in?
A) 5 miles
B) 8 miles
C) 10 miles
D) 15 miles
Answer: C) 10 miles - What happened at the five-mile mark?
A) Michael got injured
B) Michael quit the race
C) Michael was leading
D) Michael lost hope
Answer: C) Michael was leading - What physical challenge did Michael have?
A) He was blind
B) He had one arm
C) He had one leg
D) He was deaf
Answer: B) He had one arm - Why did spectators admire Michael?
A) He won
B) He came third
C) He was the fastest
D) He showed courage despite his disability
Answer: D) He showed courage despite his disability
Short Questions and Answers
Q1. Why did Michael decide to enter a swimming race?
A: Michael wanted recognition and decided to enter a swimming race to showcase his talent.
Q2. What challenge did Michael face during the race?
A: He experienced fatigue and negative thoughts, which made him consider quitting.
Q3. How did Michael overcome his self-doubt?
A: He gathered courage, focused his mind, and pushed himself to continue swimming.
Q4. What surprised the spectators about Michael?
A: Despite having only one arm, Michael almost won the race, which deeply impressed the spectators.
Q5. What message does this story convey?
A: The story teaches that determination and courage are more admirable than just winning. Physical limitations cannot stop a strong spirit.