Mira Rai is a low-profile type of national hero. When she walked through Nepal’s crowded international airport last week, no one made much of a fuss. On the streets of Kathmandu, the south Asian nation’s capital, more people notice the brightly coloured, brand new sports clothes than the slight 25-year-old who wears them.

The anonymity may not last long. Eighteen months ago, Rai was just another young Nepalese from a desperately village who grew up never sure of two, let alone three meals in a day. Now the former Maoist child soldier is winning international races in one of the world’s toughest sports – races of 50km-100km over mountains – and may be on her way to global stardom.

Rai faces her greatest challenge yet: inspiring the women of Nepal to fight back against the deep conservatism in the country and “follow their destiny” as she puts it.