Young gymnast sensation Anna-Marie Ondaatje who won Switzerland’s first ever International Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition, the Zurich Cup 2020 as a proud representative of Sri Lanka has stated that Sri Lanka has proven time and time again how resilient we are as a nation.
“I meditate and pray that we overcome this Covid-19 together and beat the virus the best way we know how. Expect Nothing and Appreciate Everything,” she told the Daily News.
“This applies perfectly with the feelings and thoughts every single person in the world is experiencing now. This moment exactly, defines how life can be unfair,” she said.
“Each individual is battling their own personal setbacks caused by this pandemic. Perhaps it is putting stress on your finances or family. Maybe your dreams are being put on hold. There is disturbance to your mental health and a newfound doubt for the well-being of not only yourself, but that of your loved ones as well. You might feel as though you’re on the verge of losing everything... I hope for you to have patience, patience with your loved ones, your acquaintances, the world as a whole and, most of all patience with yourself.”
Speaking further she said, “Perhaps this was going to be the year to start something new a business, hobby, sport or even a new attitude. Maybe you were prepared to put your best effort forward. You were going to fix or build new relationships, or better yet improve yourself.
“These months can just go by with stagnant life, since we cannot pursue what we want unrestricted. It all comes down to the matter of adapting to a given situation, by adjusting our process to reach our goals.
“We can sit with the feeling of worry and uncertainty, but we should practice not letting it cloud our vision. We should see clearly even through these unpredictable times. After all, this will not be the last struggle you or the world experiences. When the mind is in a state of uncertainty, the smallest disturbance directs you to either side, be it positive or negative. It’s an opportunity to reflect on our priorities and decide how we want to define ourselves.”
Ondaatje became the first rhythmic gymnast to represent Sri Lanka at the Commonwealth Games in 2018. She also happened to be one of just four female gymnasts from Sri Lanka to represent the country at the Games.
Ondaatje qualified to represent Sri Lanka at the 2018 Asian Games as well, being the only rhythmic gymnast from Sri Lanka to have progressed to compete. It marked her maiden Asian Games event for Sri Lanka.
“By staying home and safe, you are supporting the vulnerable and those who ask of it, to help ease the conditions at hand. I would like to thank all the workers on the front lines. Putting their lives at risk for the sake of ours, to better our future and bring us one step closer to safety and recovery,” Ondaatje said. “It’s on the mental side that we can grow stronger.”
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