Embracing social work as the motto of her life post retirement, 2012 Olympic gold medallist swimmer Missy Franklin is currently working with Jharkhand-based NGO Yuwa and says her ultimate goal is to build a permanent school there for the young girls.
Franklin, who won four gold medals at the London Olympics, was asked to present Yuwa with the prestigious Laureus Sport for Good Award after she was elected into the Academy at its awards function last year in Monaco.
The 24-year-old was so inspired by the girls from Yuwa and the work done by the organisation that she kept in touch with the organisation and has recently accepted the invitation to join its board.
"I'm so excited to say I've accepted so as well as being a Laureus Academy Member I am also now a board member at Yuwa and doing a lot of work with Franz and Rose for their community out there and for the school that they have for young girls," she said.
With the World currently in lockdown to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, Franklin's support so far has been virtual, but she intends to visit the girls at Yuwa when circumstances allow.
"Ultimately, our plan is to build a permanent girls school there," says Franklin, who won five Olympic gold medals and eleven World Championship titles before retiring at the age of 23 due to an injury.
"It is unbelievable what they're doing, and so I'm really, really hoping I can get out there in the future to see everyone and see the girls, and learn a few football skills cause I'm a little lacking in that area!"