A remarkable story of endurance, determination and social impact is reaching audiences through Born To Fly, a documentary that follows Melbourne-based sports physiologist and ultra-runner Rahul Sharma on his record-breaking journey across Sri Lanka. More than a sporting achievement, the film highlights a mission to support childhood cancer research while inspiring people to pursue ambitious goals with purpose.
At the centre of the documentary is Sharma’s extraordinary challenge to run the entire length of Sri Lanka, from Point Pedro in the north to Dondra Head in the south. Covering 566 kilometres in just 6 days, 13 hours and 22 minutes, the achievement earned official recognition from the World Book of Records, making him the fastest person to complete the route from north to south.
The challenge concluded on 30 December 2025 after nearly a week of continuous running through diverse terrain and demanding conditions. Months of preparation were required to adapt to Sri Lanka’s climate and the physical demands of ultra-distance running. The accomplishment has been described as one of the most significant endurance feats undertaken by an athlete of Sharma’s age.
Directed by Ali Khajeian, Born To Fly documents not only the physical challenge but also the team effort behind the record attempt. The film tells the story of a passionate group of young people who came together with a shared vision of achieving something extraordinary while supporting a cause close to their hearts—raising funds for children affected by cancer.
The run was organised as a fundraiser for Children’s Cancer Institute Australia, with supporters from around the world contributing to the campaign. According to the organisers, all donations and net proceeds from the run, premiere events and documentary screenings have been directed towards supporting childhood cancer research and treatment initiatives.
The fundraising effort exceeded expectations, raising more than AU$27,000 and surpassing its original target of AU$20,000. The funds will support the work of Children’s Cancer Institute, Australia’s only independent medical research organisation dedicated solely to curing childhood cancer and improving outcomes for young patients and their families.
A central theme throughout the documentary is the motto “Dream Like a Kid,” which served as the inspiration behind the Sri Lanka challenge. The message encourages people to approach life with curiosity, courage and optimism, demonstrating how ambitious goals can become achievable when driven by passion, perseverance and a meaningful purpose.
Born in Hong Kong to an Indian family, Sharma represented Hong Kong in competitive cricket before pursuing higher education in Australia. He later completed degrees in Exercise and Sports Science and Clinical Exercise Physiology at Deakin University and now works as a sports and exercise physiologist in Melbourne while continuing to take on major endurance challenges.
The documentary has already attracted strong community interest, with successful screenings held in Melbourne and Hong Kong. Organisers say a Hong Kong red-carpet charity premiere attracted nearly 300 guests, including community leaders, educators, athletes, supporters, friends and family members who gathered to celebrate the achievement and its wider message.
As Born To Fly becomes available to audiences worldwide, Sharma’s story continues to inspire people across Australia, India and beyond. With organisers confirming he is already preparing for an even bigger challenge in 2027, the documentary serves as both a celebration of a world-record achievement and a reminder of the impact that determination, teamwork and compassion can have on communities around the world.
