For Ms Shireen Sapiro, a former pupil of Bishop Bavin School in Bedfordview, being selected to be a member of the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games is both humbling and exciting at the same time.
“It’s all so exciting. I feel so humbled by the fact that I have made this team for the third time. Since the London 2012 Games I have really struggled with shoulder injuries and I missed 18 months of my four-year build-up because I had to have two separate shoulder surgeries,” said Shireen.
“I am so thankful that my body allowed me to achieve my dream of making my third Games,” she said.
The 25-year-old Paralympic swimmer said that swimming has played such a large role in her life and it is something that she will always carry very close to her heart.
“The sport has given my life purpose and given me the opportunity to not only experience extraordinary things, but also meet some incredible people. Swimming has shown me that I can achieve anything with hard work and discipline,” said Shireen.
Shireen started her swimming career when she was nine years old.
She said that when she was younger she initially wanted to be an Olympic gymnast.
She said that a friend introduced her to swimming. At her first gala, she beat everyone in the events that she competed in.
“I then realised that swimming was something I wanted to take more seriously. As time passed gymnastics started to fade away as swimming became my main focus. I knew that I wanted to become an Olympic swimmer,” said Shireen.
At age 13 in 2004 Shireen was involved in a boating accident on the Vaal Dam.
She said that the accident left her fighting for her life. “The propeller of the boat had almost ripped my body in two, leaving me with severe damage to the left side of my body,” said Shireen.
“Doctors told my parents that I would not see the light of another day, and if I did, I would never be able to walk again,” said Shireen.
Shireen spent five months recovering and two years in rehabilitation learning how to walk again.
She said that the first gala after the accident did not go well.
“I was devastated but I knew that giving up on my dream was not an option. My physio at the rehabilitation centre suggested that I try competing as a disabled athlete. I was completely against it because I did not see myself as a disabled person,” said Shireen.
“After many tears my mom finally convinced me to swim a race in the disabled category. I swam the 50m freestyle and smashed the SA record. I think that was the moment where my dreams changed from becoming an Olympian to a Paralympian,” said Shireen.
She added that her mom has been the biggest inspiration in her life. “She gives me the strength and inspiration to get through any difficult situation I’m faced with,” said Shireen.
She said at her first Paralympic Games she won a gold medal and broke the world record for the 100m backstroke.
“Throughout my career I have had the most incredible support system from my friends and family. They are always there to give me that extra boost when I feel like I’m carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders,” said Shireen.
She said that a solid support system is very important.
She said that in order to make it to where she is today she had to sacrifice a number of things. Shireen said that in order to receive the best training she had to move to Durban and away from her family in Johannesburg. She said that it is difficult to be away from her family.
“I never feel sad or deprived because I know that one needs to sacrifice certain things to get to where you want to be,” said Shireen.
After the Rio Games Shireen wants to return to Johannesburg to finish her journalism degree.
“Once I have my degree I’m not to sure what my plans are. I just know that the world is my oyster and I’m so excited to see what life has in store for me,” said Shireen.
Shireen said that she will be competing in the following events: the 100m freestyle, the 50m freestyle and the 100m backstroke.
