Asiya Muhammed Sururu

Started: She took up Para rowing in 2018 and has also practised Para badminton and wheelchair tennis. "I remember coming in last in my first [international rowing] competition [in 2019], but it was in the moment that everyone was passing away from me. They were flying. I was left alone. Me, the water and the boat. I thought my heart would stop and my boat would capsize, but I relaxed and composed myself. I could feel my heartbeat. I felt the connection with the water from my oars to the boat, to my hands and my heart. I felt like, 'This is it, let's do this'. And just like that, I finished and my love for rowing ignited." (paralympic.org, 24 Feb 2023; straitstimes.com, 16 Aug 2021; allafrica.com, 08 Nov 2020) Reason: She was encouraged to take up sport by her family due to her weight. "[I weighed] 70 kilograms which caused a lot of concern to my immediate family. They advised me to join sports to help me cut weight and remain in shape. I was invited to Tudor Water Sports [in Mombasa, Kenya] to try my hand in rowing when experts from South Africa and Britain came to give some basic technical training in December 2018, and it was then that they handed me the PR1 category as the most suitable for me to compete in. I realised I was getting more captivated by rowing because of the friendly atmosphere." (straitstimes.com, 16 Aug 2021; allafrica.com, 08 Nov 2020) Ambition: To win a medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, and to compete at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. (athletemedia.co.uk, 08 Jan 2024) Milestones: She became the first female rower to represent Kenya at the Paralympic Games when she competed at the 2020 Games in Tokyo. (SportsDeskOnline, 28 Nov 2023; nation.africa, 14 Mar 2022) Awards: She and athletics competitor Samwel Mushai Kimani were Kenya's flag bearers at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (medias.paris2024.org, 28 Aug 2024) Additional Info: PREVIOUS OCCUPATION In 2016 she quit her job as a teacher to train as a full-time athlete. "I decided to quit my job and concentrate fully on my health. I made an immediate decision to abandon teaching completely and go full-bodied into sport full-time. I tried out any sports that were available. I had all the time in the world. I started doing marathons, and I have also been very successful in tennis." (straitstimes.com, 16 Aug 2021; CGTN Africa YouTube channel, 13 Dec 2020; allafrica.com, 08 Nov 2020) FAMILY SUPPORT Her father died from a stroke the same day she was hit by a train at age two. Her mother passed away eight years later and she was raised by her cousin. "I have been lucky to have a strong family support system. My cousin became my parent at age 19 after my mother died and has always been supportive. We are a strong family, always cracking jokes with each other and supporting one another to grow." (top40.businessdailyafrica.com, 16 Dec 2021; capitalfm.co.ke, 13 Nov 2020; the-star.co.ke, 12 Nov 2020)