MARCIA Persaud might not be indestructible immortal like DC Universe’s famed superhero, Wonder Woman but she certainly has similar traits which she continues to test through “parkour.”

Parkour might not be a familiar sport to Guyanese but in the United States of America (USA) and other countries, it is a well-known sporting activity which attracts mainly “adrenaline junkies.”

The sport is defined as an activity which involves moving rapidly through an area, typically in an urban environment, negotiating obstacles by running, jumping and climbing.

Just imagining all that action would have someone at the edge of their seat but, while others may hesitate, Persaud is usually at the edge of a wall contemplating her next jump.
While injuries are almost imminent, she pushes herself to the limit because she loves the sport since it challenges people physically and mentally.

“Every day I’m doing things that scare me, breaking barriers, and showing myself I’m capable of more than I think. You learn so much about your body and you learn to trust yourself a lot more. Parkour is not about throwing yourself at obstacles and hoping you make it,” said an enthused Persaud.

Although the risks are many, the sport is not impossible, it just requires technique and confidence, she explained adding that persons start from the ground and slowly move up.
Of course, when it comes to parkour, ‘moving up’ comes literally since people who practice the sport on rooftops usually train for years before taking it to that level.

While they might be experienced, Persaud said the professionals do not get careless but instead do jumps within their skill level.

“Parkour is a highly mental sport. You have to trust yourself and know that you’re physically capable of doing the jump. The hardest part is to break through the irrational fears your brain makes up, but when you do, it’s the best feeling in the world,” said the young athlete, adding that she was motivated to do the sport after seeing YouTube videos of the athletes looking confident and free.

Since she found her love for the sport, Persaud has not turned back. She instead continued her journey as an athlete and even added rock climbing, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Jiu-Jitsu to her list of activities.

Her passion for sport, however, goes beyond the physical. She is pursuing studies in sports and exercise science at the University of Central Florida. The athlete was recently travelling around Asia and was expected to return to school after her summer vacation.

Persaud chose that field of study because she’s an active person and would be able to apply the knowledge she acquired to her life.

SOFT SPOT
But being an adrenaline junkie and tough girl is not all there is to Marcia. The athlete also has a soft spot for animals. From a young age, Persaud would take care of stray puppies.
“I’d bring them into my yard to bathe and feed them. My love extended to all animals as I grew up because I saw the same innocence and pureness in other animals that I did in dogs. As my learning continued, I found out information about the animal agriculture that I didn’t like,” she explained, adding that the treatment of animals is sometimes barbaric and immoral.

The athlete and animal lover believes that no person or animal deserves to be treated inhumanely. In an effort to show her dedication to this cause, Persaud decided to stop eating all animal products and stop buying from companies which conduct tests on animals.

After living abroad for a few years, she was able to join the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) which helped her to advocate for the prevention of torture and mistreatment of animals.

As she grows, she hopes to continue her advocacy and at the same time make a career out of her love for sports. Persaud intends on working hard enough to ensure that she has enough money to give her mom all the luxuries she deserves.

There are many other people who might have similar aspirations and for that reason, she urged those persons to always believe in themselves.

“You should always follow your dream. It may seem hard sometimes but you only have one life, live it the way you want to, not how your family or society wants you to. It may sound clichéd, but the reason it’s been said so much is because it’s true. The universe is rooting for you,” she said, adding that persons must always try to improve themselves physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.