Raman Salei

Started: He took up the sport at age seven in Maladzyechna, Belarus. (Athlete, 03 Mar 2019) Reason: His parents were involved in athletics, so he would often go to the sports centre with them. He discovered swimming while he was there and found he enjoyed the sport. (Athlete, 03 Mar 2019) Ambition: To compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (media.az, 15 Sep 2021) Milestones: He became the first athlete representing Azerbaijan to have won three Paralympic titles after he claimed three gold medals at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. (SportsDeskOnline, 11 May 2022; az.sputniknews.ru, 22 Sep 2021) Awards: In 2022 he received the title of Honoured Master of Sport in Azerbaijan. Previously, he received the title of Master of Sport of International Class in Belarus. (azertag.az, 30 Aug 2022; Athlete, 05 Mar 2020) In recognition of his performance at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, he received the Shohrat [Glory] Order from the president of Azerbaijan. (president.az, 06 Sep 2021) In 2018 he was named among the 10 Best Para Athletes of the Year in Azerbaijan. (trend.az, 28 Dec 2018) In recognition of his performance at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, he received the Order for Service to the Fatherland [third class] in Azerbaijan. (Athlete, 03 Mar 2019; president.az, 21 Sep 2016) Additional Info: NATIONALITY SWITCH He represented Belarus earlier in his career, including at the 2010 World Championships in Eindhoven, Netherlands, before switching to represent Azerbaijan. (SportsDeskOnline, 04 Mar 2019; pressball.by, 03 Dec 2013) FAMILY AFFAIR He is used to competing against his older brother Dzmitry, who has also represented Azerbaijan and Belarus in Para swimming. "We have been participating in various competitions together for many years. Outside the pool, we are brothers, and when we go out into the lane, everyone tries to do his job. Both he and I are determined to win. Each of us performs his task." (moscow-baku.ru, 01 Sep 2021) BROTHERLY BRONZE At the 2019 World Championships in London, England, he and his older brother Dzmitry Salei, who was representing Belarus, both won bronze medals in the S12 50m freestyle after finishing with exactly the same time [24.32s]. (sportpanorama.by, 12 Sep 2019; paralympic.org, 11 Sep 2019)

Sporting Relatives: His older brother Dzmitry Salei has represented both Belarus and Azerbaijan in Para swimming at the Paralympic Games. He competed for Belarus at the Games in 2008 and 2012, and represented Azerbaijan at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Dzmitry has since returned to representing Belarus and competed at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. (SportsDeskOnline, 11 May 2022; moscow-baku.ru, 01 Sep 2021; Athlete, 15 Jul 2015)