Doaa Shayea lifts the bar!
Between dissertation drafts and gruelling training sessions, Devon student Doaa Shayea is preparing for a different kind of heavy lifting.
This July, the sociology student from the University of Plymouth will represent Team England in Para powerlifting at the Glasgow games.
After four years in wheelchair racing, she pivoted to powerlifting to test her physical limits.
"From racing to powerlifting, my journey isn’t what people expect," Doaa says. "It’s been years of hard work, a new sport, and a new mindset - all while starting university."
Doaa’s trophy cabinet is already filling up, boasting a recent silver at the European Championships and a standout performance for Great Britain at last year’s World Championships.
But her impact extends beyond the gym. As a public speaker and proud Muslim, she is a self-described "change maker" dedicated to dismantling narratives that limit people with diverse abilities.
"Being selected is a testament to the struggles of women with disabilities and Muslim women," she says. "Every setback and quiet moment of doubt has led me here. I’m exactly where I need to be."
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