Sporting Life

When an unknown athlete rises, he sends an inspiring message

Aslan Karatsev is the first man to reach the quarter-finals on his Grand Slam debut in almost 25 years. PHOTO: REUTERS
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

You've practised for eight years, six days a week, five hours a day, but still you wait. When's it going to come? When will you hit that archery score or announce yourself with a fast time in the pool? When will it happen, that thing you believed and bled for?

The breakthrough.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.