Mira Rai is a low-profile type of national hero. When she walked through Nepal’s crowded international airport last week, no one made much of a fuss. On the streets of Kathmandu, the south Asian nation’s capital, more people notice the brightly coloured, brand new sports clothes than the slight 25-year-old who wears them.The anonymity may not last long. Eighteen months ago, Rai was just another young Nepalese from a desperately village who grew up never sure of two, let alone three meals in a day. Now the former Maoist child soldier is winning international races in one of the world’s toughest sports – races of 50km-100km over mountains – and may be on her way to global stardom.

Rai faces her greatest challenge yet: inspiring the women of Nepal to fight back against the deep conservatism in the country and “follow their destiny” as she puts it.I want women and girls in villages like mine to have opportunities. We need to change attitudes. It will not be easy
Mira Rai“There has been some progress, but not enough,” said Rai. “I want women and girls in remote villages like mine to have opportunities. We need to change attitudes. It will not be easy.”The athlete’s life has been intertwined with the chaotic and uncertain recent history of her country. Nepal is one of the world’s poorest nations, with development undermined by repeated natural disasters, such as the devastating earthquake in April, which killed 9,000, followed by a second one in May, and chronic political instability.