Back to: Karnataka Board Class 6th English Guide and Notes
Table of Contents
Introduction
‘True Height’ narrates the story of a blind teenager who, at the age of seventeen, clears the Pole vault bar set at 17 feet 6 and a half inches and secures first place. The story’s title, ‘True Height,’ refers to the extent(height) of the boy’s personality as well as his drive to thrive despite his impairment. Michael Stone is the young boy’s name.
Bret Stone and Milfred Stone are his parents. Michael had dreamed of flying since he was a child, and his mother had told him numerous stories about it. Michael’s visions were filled with colour and beauty thanks to her dedication and attention to detail.
Dedication, Pole Vaulting and Winning!
Bert Stone, his father, was a realist who valued hard work and effort. Michael’s father began a rigorous and disciplined weight-lifting routine. Michael’s father coached and trained him. Michael was a hardworking, focused, and diligent student. Michael assisted his parents on their farm in addition to being an honours student.
He was obsessed with and passionate about perfection. Pole vaulting is the most attractive sport in track and field. The athlete mixes gymnast-like elegance with bodybuilder-like power. Flying is also a part of pole vaulting. Anyone viewing the sport is intrigued by the idea of flying as high as a two-storey building. Michael Stone’s goal, reality, and adventure were all based on the strength of his consistent preparation and dedication.
At the National Junior Olympics, he cleared the bar at 17 ft 2 inches and 17 ft 4 inches, and he was one of the two final contenders in the pole-vaulting event. The stadium was packed with 20,000 spectators. People rushed over to Michael, hugging him and cheering him. Later that day, he beat the National and International Junior Olympic records by jumping 17 feet 6 and a half inches.
It was an incredible accomplishment. Michael’s life was never going to be the same after that. He had won the National Junior Olympics and set a new world record despite being visually impaired.
Conclusion
The lesson we learn from ‘True Height’ is that no challenge or obstacle is greater than a person’s ambition and determination to succeed.
