Despite training from a young age, Eleonora Gardelli put her running dreams on hold to pursue a career as a lawyer.

 

However, it didn’t take long before destiny raised its head once again. Eleonora started running once more (and she did pretty well), becoming Marathon Italian Champion while still working as a lawyer. 

 

Her story is an inspiration to women everywhere. Female athletes are regularly faced with the painful choice of chasing their dream or bowing to societal pressure. It’s never too late to start, just do it.