Page 95 - English_Spark_4

Gymnastics is a sport in which gymnasts have to make quick movements

and twists and turns. They need to know how to balance and do exercises

on beams and uneven bars. Their one wrong step can mean a bad fall which
can lead to a broken leg or an injured back. So, at first, Dipa was very scared

to even step onto the bars. Soon however, she forgot her fear and was

cartwheeling and sailing through the air.

At the age of nine, Dipa took part in the 2002 Northeastern Games in which
she won the gold medal.

She continued to work very hard but soon found that the muscles in her

feet needed to be stronger. They caused a problem in the way she ran and
how she landed on her feet during jumps. But Dipa did not give up. She did

special exercises to make her feet better.

Gymnastics — exercises and activities done indoors, using bars and ropes,
to increase the body’s strength and the ability to move and bend easily;
gymnasts — people who perform gymnastics, especially in a competition;

balance — to remain in one position without falling; cartwheeling — a fast
movement in which a person turns in circles, sideways; sailing — moving

quickly, smoothly and confidently

English-4 95