Kenyan rower Asiya Sururu Muhammed describes her second Paralympic appearance as a step up from “school” to “university.” As she competes in Paris, she reflects on her journey and how this experience feels more advanced compared to her debut at the Tokyo 2021 Games.
Sururu Muhammed’s story is one of extraordinary resilience. At the tender age of two, she lost both her lower legs and several fingers in a train accident. Despite this, she made history in Tokyo as the first woman to represent Kenya in rowing at either the Olympics or Paralympics. Although she finished 12th in the PR1 single sculls event in both her appearances, she improved her timing by two minutes in Paris compared to her performance in Japan.
“There is a great improvement personally in terms of timing,” Muhammed told AFP. “In Tokyo, I was still a learner, but now I fully understand what I need to be doing.” She likened her growth to progressing from school to university, highlighting the significant advancements she has made in understanding and executing her sport.
Muhammed’s journey to the Paralympics was not without further hardship. After the rail accident, she was orphaned at nine years old and raised by her cousin and aunt. She initially turned to sport as an outlet, trying tennis before finding her passion in rowing. Her competitive debut came in 2019, and just three years later, she represented Kenya on the world stage at the Tokyo Paralympics.
In May 2022, Muhammed achieved another personal milestone when she began learning to walk with prosthetic legs. Reflecting on this life-changing moment, she shared, “The French say ‘magnifique,’ and it’s really magnificent.” Muhammed had never walked before, so starting at the age of 30 was a profound experience. “Every experience is once in a lifetime, it’s a big thing, like when a baby takes its first steps. I’m a big baby,” she said with a smile. “Every step is a celebration.”
Muhammed’s love for sports extends beyond rowing. The Mombasa native is an avid sports fan, with a keen interest in Formula One. She expressed excitement over reports of a potential Grand Prix return to Africa, specifically Rwanda. “Imagine it! I think it would be fun,” she said, adding that Rwanda is easily accessible from Kenya—just a two-day drive or a 45-minute flight.
With her competitive events concluded, Muhammed plans to make the most of her time in Paris. She intends to support her fellow Kenyan athletes in various sports, including athletics and powerlifting. “I’ll be in athletics, where most of the Kenyans are,” she explained. “Then I’ll be in powerlifting, roaming around all sports. The mornings I will be watching the Games. Midday onwards I’ll be around the city.”
Beyond the sporting venues, Muhammed looks forward to experiencing Paris as a tourist. She has grand plans to visit iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and indulge in the city’s renowned culinary scene. “If it’s not the Eiffel Tower, I’ll go to the best restaurants, because I like eating,” she said. For Muhammed, these experiences are about creating memories to share with her future grandchildren. “This is Paris,” she added with a sense of wonder.
Muhammed’s journey is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. As she continues to break barriers and inspire others, her story stands as a beacon of hope, proving that adversity can be overcome with determination and an unyielding spirit.
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