Imago
Kobe Bryant answers questions during a press conference held at the Lakers training facility in El Segundo, Calif.. Thursday, July 15, 2004. Bryant chose the Lakers over the Clippers, remaining with the team he joined in 1996 at age 18 and later helped win three NBA championships. (Photo by Steve Grayson/WireImage)
Imago
Kobe Bryant answers questions during a press conference held at the Lakers training facility in El Segundo, Calif.. Thursday, July 15, 2004. Bryant chose the Lakers over the Clippers, remaining with the team he joined in 1996 at age 18 and later helped win three NBA championships. (Photo by Steve Grayson/WireImage)
Kobe Bryant always taught his fellow players and young athletes to never give up hope. He always urged others to work hard for their dreams as he continued to set an example for them. His unique mamba mentality inspired several young minds. One of them is the one-armed Mamba. She transcended the game of basketball and inspired other basketball players, just like her idol.
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She even had the opportunity to meet the Los Angeles Lakers legend a few times. As she sat for an interview with Leigh Ellis, an unknown story of her beating 800 players was revealed. Let’s find out more about her story.
Kat Tan beat 800 athletes to take up Kobe Bryant’s challenge
Kat Tan is best known as the one-armed Mamba. Due to a tragic accident, Tan sustained several injuries and lost her left arm. After the accident, she switched from her primary sport, tennis to basketball. In her interview, she shared a unique story with the viewers. She once applied to appear in Bryant’s Nike campaign and beat 800 other talented athletes. Bryant, who was also present there was impressed with her determination. And, she was featured in the Nike ‘Mamba mentality campaign”. Kat recently came out with her story for the world to hear.
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She said, “The basketball gods were on my side. I was lucky to be chosen to be one of the players: there were 800”. Eventually, Tan made it to the final 24 players who got to meet Kobe Bryant in person. Following this, Bryant asked for one player who could volunteer. Here is the video for you to see a glimpse of Tan’s fantastic shot.
It seems to be Tan’s sheer determination and talent and not luck that one of the coaches present there chose her.
Kat Tan’s inspiring story of victory
The word ‘challenge’ isn’t uncommon for basketball players. However, Kat Tan is someone who overcame a million more different challenges to inspire others. She proved that determination and hope are the biggest strength that can overcome any challenge.
Despite the tragic accident, she continued her pursue her passion for basketball. The accident took place the same year Bryant was drafted into the league. During her recovery, she found solace in watching the Lakers’ every game. Since then, she has always idolized the Black Mamba.
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Written by
Edited by
Saumya Khanduja