Souleyman Bah

1. Tell us about yourself and your successes so far?

My name is Souleyman Bah and I am a 21 year old Junior Gold Medallist in the T13 100m. I was also the first ever disabled candidate on BBC’s The Apprentice. I suffer from a rare degenerative eye condition called RP which includes tunnel vision and night blindness.

2. How did you first get into Para-Sprinting?

In school I always enjoyed doing the sprint race on sports day and often won for my team. After breaking the school record in year 7, I was chosen to take part in a London 2012 scheme called Playground to Podium which aimed to raise the next generation of athletes. I was referred onto a local club and coach who helped me develop and compete in regional and national competitions. After winning a few titles I was scouted to represent Great Britain at the 2015 Paralympic School Games in Brazil and came home with a Gold medal.

3. After appearing as the first disabled candidate on the Apprentice, have you continued your business adventures?

Yes I have continued to pursue a few business ventures after the show. My first business is called Vision Beyond Sight (https://www.visionbeyondsight.co.uk/) which aims to help schools and young people tackle mental health and obesity my second most recent business is called Self Care Sunday and it is a gift box full of tools to help people overcome mental health issues and develop self-love through and after lockdown.

4. How has lockdown been for you, and what difficulties have you faced?

Personally, lockdown has been a great experience as it has given me the time I never had being an athlete and entrepreneur. It was unfortunate about the Paralympics being postponed however I have had the time to relax, reflect and take up hobbies I couldn't before.

5. Tell us about classification as I know yours has recently changed, and how has this impacted in your training?

Because my eyesight has reduced, I am looking to change classification from T13 to T12. Not much has changed apart from I have to be more cautious in training and competition and I have the option of using a guide runner if I ever need one.

6. 4 years ago you won the World Youth Para Games Gold Medal. Is it harder to achieve something similar as a senior?

Yes it is harder as a senior because you can't just rely on talent, you have to put a lot of time and effort to improve. You are also competing against mature athletes who have been training for years and have experience over you.

7. Would you rather achieve a world title or a world record, and why?

I would rather achieve a world title as world records are always broken and it is only a matter of time. World titles also allow you to get a gold medal and see the fruits of your labour.

8. What are your aims for the next 5 years, and will we see you at the Paralympics?

In the next 5 years I would like to compete for Great Britain consistently on the international stage, not necessarily the Paralympics but the Europeans or world. I would also like to have a successful and impactful business that makes a difference in society.

9. How do guide runners get into guide running with visually impaired people?

Honestly speaking I do not know the process to becoming a guide runner but what I know is they have to be faster than the athlete and they are typically ex Olympic athletes.

10. What advice would you give someone who is interested in para-athletics?

The advice I would give to someone who is interested in Para athletics is to start with the basics, master the simple things such as eating healthy, stretching regularly. They should also and join a local club. It is also important to take it step by step and not rush anything.