Ekaterina Lisina [new] Here

Once, Ekaterina would have shrunk. She would have folded her shoulders, bent her knees, tried to become a question instead of an exclamation point. But that was before she understood the magic trick.

She needed only to exist, loudly and unapologetically, until the gasps turned into glances, and the glances turned into a simple, quiet nod of recognition. ekaterina lisina

She smiled.

Ekaterina continued walking toward the Arno River. She thought of her medal from the 2008 Olympics—bronze, heavy and cold. She thought of the Guinness World Record she held for the longest legs. She thought of the men on dating apps who messaged her: Can you step on me? and Do you play basketball? (Always the same two questions.) Once, Ekaterina would have shrunk

Yes , she thought. I am that tall. And you are just noticing. She needed only to exist, loudly and unapologetically,

She posed. One hand on her hip, chin tilted up. The flash went off. The tourist smiled, thanked her, and scurried away, showing the photo to his wife.

Click. A cell phone camera.