Ekaterina Lisina ((new)) -

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.)

Basketball had taught her the geometry of space. She could see over the defense, pass into pockets of air that didn't exist to shorter players. But modeling taught her something stranger: the power of owning the vertical. ekaterina lisina

The man blushed. “I… yes. Sorry.”

Yes , she thought. I am that tall. And you are just noticing. Ekaterina continued walking toward the Arno River

She didn't say it’s fine , because it wasn't. But she also didn't say go away , because that would be a lie. She had learned that her body was a public monument whether she liked it or not. The only question was whether she would be a statue or a living woman. She thought of the men on dating apps

The world was built for people five-foot-five. Airplane seats, showers, doorframes, poetry about small, delicate things. But tonight, walking alone in Milan, she felt a strange gratitude. The world might not fit her. But she didn't need it to.