Marta was the "little Chinese" girl, but when she found track, she was better than everyone (including the guys), so she became "the fast girl." According to Marta, running was what made her different and special. "When you find something that you can hold onto, you're going to show off your superpower." For Marta, that was running.
Marta grew up speaking Portuguese, with a Portuguese name, eating Portuguese food, living in Portuguese culture, yet her Mom spoke Chinese and was from a different culture. This was a challenge. According to Marta, "When I was a kid, all I wanted was to be the same. And now I want to embrace everything that is a part of me...I wish I was more different."
Today's episode focuses on identity, and how Marta has evolved from wanting to blend in to wanting to express her full self. We talk about how she found track, her work ethic, and hopes for the future of women's sport.
Episodes drop every Wednesday at 5am Eastern Standard Time through the Paralympics.
----
Flame Bearers is the world's first media and production company specifically illuminating the unsung stories of resilient women Olympians & Paralympians. We tell stories via podcast, video, and live events and are working towards a world where people feel more represented, empowered, and enlightened about the power of community.
Learn more on our website: flamebearers.com
Watch & subscribe to our KZfaq channel to watch a video version of this episode ► / @flamebearers
Follow us on social media for exclusive behind the scenes content:
Instagram: /flamebearers
Facebook: /flamebearerspodcast
Linkedin: /flame-bearers
Tiktok: /flame_bearers
X: /flame_bearers