Ali Jawad

Interview with Ali Jawad

1. With the Coronavirus pandemic delaying the Paralympics, do you think it was the correct desision and how are you now preparing for them?

Many Paralympic athletes are disappointed that the games have been postponed. They have sacrificed and pushed the their bodies to mental, physical, and emotional limits to compete over the last 4 years. However, a majority of athletes around the world were in full support of the postponement. It's important the International Paralympic Committee protects not only the athletes, but everyone that is involves in the successful running of the games. I am proud they listened to athlete concerns. The games in Tokyo 2021 will be a celebration of how powerful humanity unites in such adversity, which is the ultimate reflection of what the Paralympic Games and its athletes represents. 2. Tell us about yourself and how did you get into powerlifting?

I have been fortunate enough to have represented ParalympicsGB at 3 Paralympic Games (Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016) winning silver in Rio 2016. I've also won World and European gold, and two Commonwealth Games medals. My Paralympic dream started when I was 6 years old, when I watched Michael Johnson win the historic 200m/400m double at the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996. After trying Judo and Athletics, I started Para Powerlifting when I was 16. My friend forced me to go to the gym across the road from my school after one of the GCSE exams. One on my first attempt of lifting I managed to lift 100kg and I was scouted by the owner of the gym (who used to be the national powerlifting coach). He mentioned I had great potential, and that he wanted to coach me to a potential Paralympic Games. This projected me on my path to the Paralympics.

3. Can you explain the rules of Powerlifting?

In Powerlifting, an athlete has 3 attempts to lift as heavy as possible. The lifter who lifts the most weight, wins. Athletes can lift on average 3x their own bodyweight for men and 1.5x for women, which truly makes these athletes incredible. 4. How can people reading this follow your successes?

My path to success started with a just a dream. A dream I knew was going to be tough, unpredictable, and over long term. My advice for people is that they find something that they are passionate about and are willing to work towards long term. All big goals require some element of sacrifice, but its definitely worth it. It's also important people have adaptable plans to counter the unpredictability of the challenges faced towards your goals. my number 1 advice is to exercise patience and rational thinking in dark times. Think about the greater picture. Your goals and dreams are worth it. 5. For disability sport to grow, how important do you think the role of the media is?

When I started my Paralympic career, the games were vastly unknown and not promoted. Since London 2012, it has projected Paralympic sport and their athletes to the mainstream media which has created Paralympic superstars. The coverage we have received since has been unprecedented. However, it is important we keep going forward with this momentum as Paralympic sport is all year round, not once every 4 years. London 2012 has set a the bar highly, and I think this will be the bare minimum going forward. I think the Paralympics is going from strength to strength at a rapid rate. I'm excited for the future of how big it will become. 6. What targets are you setting yourself for the next 5 years?

The immediate targets is to try be as competitive as possible in Tokyo next year. However, as I suffer with Crohn's disease I have delayed treatment which would of been this year. So my plans at the moment are uncertain and unpredictable. As for my Paralympic journey afterwards, I am unsure. I need to see how my body reacts to the treatment. My job is to adapt and be ready for any situation thrown at me. Longer term, I am looking at starting a PhD in anti doping as clean sport has been my passion throughout my career. ​