Sururu gunning for a podium finish at the Paris Paralympics

Kenyan Para rower Asiya Sururu Mohammed is determined to secure a podium finish at the Paris 2024 Paralympics after making her debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Sururu will be skippering a 14-athlete team that will be competing at the 33rd edition of the Paralympics, set for the French capital from August 28-September 8.

In Tokyo, she finished 12th in the women's single sculls clocking 14:27.48 and marking a historic moment as the first female athlete to represent Kenya in rowing at the Paralympics.

Now, with more experience and a clearer focus, Sururu is aiming to improve on that performance.

“We came to Paris earlier this month because we wanted to fully acclimatize. It’s good for us because we are familiarizing ourselves with the environment and the equipment that we will use, especially us who will be using the boats," said Asiya.

The 32-year-old journey into para rowing began in 2018, and despite early challenges, including a boat capsizing during her first attempt; she fell in love with the sport.

Her debut at the Tokyo Paralympics was seen as a "school" where she learnt from the best, and now she is confident of performing even better in Paris.

"Now I’m not a student anymore. I have arrived in Paris with full understanding of what I need to do, my approach will be different from that of Tokyo."

Kenya will be represented by 14 athletes in power lifting, athletics, taekwondo, and cycling in this year's Paralympics as they aim to improve on the events in Tokyo where they won only one medal (Bronze).