Deborah doesn't feel nervous at the start of a race. It has to do with mental strength, coupled with her physical power.
The girl from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands gave her best on Saturday to enter the final of the junior women's 200m sprint event. The result ensured another
medal for the hosts, who are struggling in the Hero Asian Cycling Championship.
The teenager had won bronze in the 500m time trial on the opening day, and going by her performance, she looks good for gold. If that happens, she will further cement her place in the history of Indian cycling.
Deborah began her quest for gold on a positive note by edging out Malaysian Farihah Mohd Adnan by a wafer-thin margin in the semifinal.
"I wasn't bothered about my rival, but focussed on myself," said Deborah in broken Hindi. On debut, the will to excel is perhaps one of the reasons which have helped her make an impact in the continental competition.
On Monday, she will fight for gold with Yeon hee Jang. On paper, the Korean is more experienced than the Indian girl, but going by performance in the competition, Deborah has surprised one and all.
Farihah will compete for bronze with Korean Sarang IM.