SURURU Asiya Mohamed

Classification
PR1 (World Rowing, 03 Jun 2021)

Type of Impairment
Limb deficiency (straitstimes.com, 16 Aug 2021)

Origin of Impairment
Acquired (straitstimes.com, 16 Aug 2021)

Impairment Details
She was hit by a train at age two in Mombasa, Kenya. She lost both legs and several fingers. "It took a whole four years to be taught how to walk using artificial legs just like a nursery kid, and at that time I couldn't even play with friends my age, because they kept running away from me due to my condition." (straitstimes.com, 16 Aug 2021; allafrica.com, 08 Nov 2020)

General
FULL-TIME ATHLETE
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)

FUNDING DIFFICULTIES
She secured a quota place for Kenya for the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo at the 2019 Africa Continental Qualification Regatta in Tunis, Tunisia. She had to self-fund the trip and borrow a national uniform from a male able-bodied counterpart at the regatta in order to enter her event. "Two weeks before the competition, the Kenya Rowing and Canoe Federation told me they tried to ask the ministry to fund the trip, but were unsuccessful. I was so heartbroken and frustrated. I couldn't let that chance go, so I asked for contributions from family and friends to fund only my air ticket. In the end, I got to travel, but without a coach. I knew it was going to be tough, but I really needed that experience and exposure. When I took to the water to compete in my PR1 competition, all pumped up and ready to compete, officials stepped up and barred me from racing because I did not have a Kenya kit, while all my fellow Kenyans who had come for the same competition were well kitted. However, luck was truly on my side. I gave my all, winning my category, and got the ticket to Tokyo." (straitstimes.com, 16 Aug 2021; CGTN Africa YouTube channel, 13 Dec 2020; capitalfm.co.ke, 13 Nov 2020; the-star.co.ke, 12 Nov 2020; allafrica.com, 08 Nov 2020; worldrowing.com, 16 Oct 2019)

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." (capitalfm.co.ke, 13 Nov 2020; the-star.co.ke, 12 Nov 2020)