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All my life, people said I was useless; that I would never amount to much; that I was the definition of mediocrity. I'd so love to see their smug faces now. All those dismissive faces: family, teachers, bosses. Now they know who I really am. They said I couldn't do it, said I was too fat, said I'd fail, but I did it. People tried to dissuade me, but I showed them. I had the inner strength to stand up and say, 'I may be a fat, middle-aged woman, but I'm going to run around the world.' Three years ago I set off to laughter and derision, with only my sister and my trainer there to wish me well. It's a different story now.
I return home, a global celebrity. There have been film crews following me, movie stars running alongside me, top sports brands fighting over who sponsors me. I've already signed a book deal, and I'm the darling of talk shows and magazines. I've had a message from Prince Charles and a kiss from Beckham. The world now listens to Carol O'Connor and I'm not afraid to speak my mind. These past three years have been filled with experiences I'll never forget, but above all I've learned one thing: If people say you can't change your life, can't be someone, can't even be yourself, don't listen. There's one truth I must shout to the world, 'Yes, you can!'.
Adjectives
smug:
Showing too much that you are successful or intelligent, or better than
someone else.
dismissive:
Showing that you consider something or someone is not serious, and of
little value.
global:
Of the whole world.
Verbs
dissuade:
To persuade someone not to do something.
sponsor:
To support by giving money or something of use.
speak one's mind:
To say exactly what you think, without fear.
not amount to much:
To not seem important, or not be of value, or not be successful.
Nouns
the definition of:
Someone who is the best example of having a special quality.
mediocrity:
Not very good. Nothing special.
derision:
Things you say that show you think something or someone is stupid and
of little value.
a celebrity:
A famous person, especially on television.
the darling of:
The most well-liked person.
a talk show:
A television or radio program in which famous people are asked
questions.