Veteran French rowing coach Claude Yessad has expressed confidence that Kenyan para-rower Asiya Sururu is on track for a podium finish at the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Scheduled from August 28 to September 8, the games will take place in the French capital, where Sururu is set to showcase her exceptional skills on the global stage.
Sururu, who has been under the meticulous guidance of a team of three French coaches led by Yessad, has shown remarkable progress during her two-week intensive training camp in Compiegne. This final preparation phase has been critical in honing her skills ahead of the highly anticipated Paralympic Games.
Speaking after Sururu’s last training session in Compiegne on Wednesday, Yessad, who also serves as the president of the SNC Aviron Rowing Club, expressed his optimism about her potential at the games. “Asiya has improved tremendously since the first time she came here, and I predict a podium finish for her. She was improving every day, and that’s exceptional heading to the Games,” Yessad remarked. His confidence is backed by the rigorous training regimen and the consistent support provided by the coaching team, which also includes coaches Noel and Henry.
The SNC Aviron Rowing Club, which hosted Sururu during her training camp, organized a farewell party in her honor on Wednesday. The event was a heartwarming gesture of support, as the club members and coaches wished her well and promised to attend her competitive sessions on August 30 in Paris. The support from the French club has been instrumental in boosting Sururu’s morale as she prepares to represent Kenya on the Paralympic stage.
Reflecting on her time in Compiegne, Sururu expressed her gratitude towards the coaching team for their unwavering support and guidance. “My two weeks in Compiegne have been very helpful for me, and I want to thank the coaches, Claude, Noel, and Henry, for their technical and training support. I have learned a lot, for instance, I used to do short strokes when I arrived, and I was told to try long strokes, which are working pretty well for me. I have been learning new things here every day, and I plan to put my training into use when the action begins in Paris,” Sururu said.
The journey to the Paralympic Games has been a transformative experience for Sururu, who has shown significant improvement in her rowing techniques and performance. According to Kenya Para-rowing coach Mirriam Amakobe Nandwa, the training camp in Compiegne has been a game-changer for Sururu’s preparation. “When we came here, Asiya used to clock 14 minutes in her 2 kilometers rowing, but it slowly dropped to 13 minutes, then 12 minutes, and we are now at 11 minutes approaching 10 minutes. So I can say she has greatly improved technically, and we are confident of a medal at the Games,” Nandwa stated.
The remarkable progress Sururu has made in such a short period is a testament to her dedication and the quality of coaching she received in Compiegne. The combination of technical training, expert guidance, and Sururu’s determination has positioned her as a strong contender for a medal in Paris.
As Team Kenya prepares to travel to Paris on Thursday, the nation will be eagerly watching Sururu’s performance in the upcoming Paralympic Games. Her journey from Compiegne to Paris is not just a physical transition but a culmination of hard work, perseverance, and the collective efforts of a dedicated team. The hope is that Sururu’s story will inspire many and that her performance in Paris will be a proud moment for Kenya on the world stage.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will undoubtedly be a significant event for Sururu, and with the support and preparation she has received, her chances of success are promising. All eyes will be on her as she takes to the water, with the potential to bring home a medal and make history for Kenya in the world of para-rowing.
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