KSEEB Class 9 · English (2nd language) · KTBS Revised 2024-25
A Girl Called Golden
Chapter summary, hard words and model exam answers for Karnataka Board Class 9 English.
Free online summary and notes (Karnataka Board Class 9 English). Read it here, no PDF download needed.
About the author
David Bateson (Australian poet, 1921–1998). Bateson wrote children's poetry celebrating Betty Cuthbert, Australia's "Golden Girl" sprinter who won four Olympic gold medals through relentless training.
Summary
The poem praises Betty Cuthbert, Australian athlete nicknamed the Golden Girl for her Olympic triumphs in sprinting.
The poem praises Betty Cuthbert, Australian athlete nicknamed the Golden Girl for her Olympic triumphs in sprinting.
While her mates played games, Betty trained alone - running when they walked, sprinting when they merely ran.
While her mates played games, Betty trained alone - running when they walked, sprinting when they merely ran.
Her muscles ached and body protested, but strong will and coach's words kept her moving in fresh morning air.
Her muscles ached and body protested, but strong will and coach's words kept her moving in fresh morning air.
Her coach saw she was special - not only fast but brave enough to spare no effort in practice.
Her coach saw she was special - not only fast but brave enough to spare no effort in practice.
Still a teenager, she thrilled the home crowd at the Melbourne Olympics, winning three gold medals in sprint events.
Still a teenager, she thrilled the home crowd at the Melbourne Olympics, winning three gold medals in sprint events.
After injury she returned to win a fourth gold at Tokyo 1964 - proof that perseverance outlasts pain; the title "Golden" is earned.
After injury she returned to win a fourth gold at Tokyo 1964 - proof that perseverance outlasts pain; the title "Golden" is earned.
Hard words & meanings
| sprint | to run at full speed over a short distance |
| perseverance | continued effort despite difficulty |
| discipline | ordered training and habit |
| athlete | one who competes in physical contests |
| Olympics | the greatest international athletic competition |
| endurance | ability to withstand hardship |
| determination | deciding firmly to achieve a goal |
| glory | fame won by remarkable achievement |
| sacrifice | forgoing pleasure for a larger goal |
Model exam answers, grammar & audio
You have read the summary. The board-ready model answers, grammar notes, one-touch audio and writing practice for this chapter are part of Lipi.
Sign in to unlockSee it, understand it, hear it read aloud, then write the exam answer with confidence, for a fraction of a tutor cost.