Doaa Shayea wants to use the Commonwealth Games to break down misconceptions about what it means to be a disabled Muslim woman.

The 27-year-old will make her Commonwealth debut at the Glasgow 2026 this summer, where she will represent England in para-powerlifting.

The Plymouth lifter made the switch from wheelchair racing four years ago and has enjoyed a rapid rise onto the international scene.

It is a platform she now wants to use to show exactly what she can do, despite other’s external expectations.

“It is an honour and a privilege to be selected,” she said. “I am really excited.

“I have worked so hard to get to this point and I am looking forward to doing the opportunity justice. Most of all, I want to enjoy the moment.

“I am in a privileged place to have that opportunity and be a role model. Islam and Muslims often get a bad rep but by me doing something that isn’t expected, it is my message to the world. Islam isn’t restrictive, being in a wheelchair isn’t restrictive, you can go above and beyond and push your body.

“Disability isn’t associated with strength but I am disrupting that narrative.

“As athletes we are always told to talk about our why and that is my why; being the representation that I didn’t have when I was growing up. You can’t be what you can’t see.”

Shayea’s powerlifting journey began when she was scouted competing at a CrossFit Games.

She has no regrets about leaving the world of wheelchair racing behind but admits it has come with some difficulties.

The 27-year-old has been forced to bulk up in order to lift heavy and has had to adjust to a new body image.

“They are very different sports. It was a lot for me to adjust to, which I struggled with at the start,” she said.

“A big part that I found quite difficult was having to put on weight. I really enjoyed the aspect of cardio because it meant I could lose weight.

“To do the opposite and build muscle was something I struggled with, and still something I am working on now.

“I am enjoying the process and how empowering powerlifting is.

“I would be lying if it is something I have accepted – I am still working on it. It is taking a lot of work to really see myself for what I am which is strong, powerful and capable.

“I am consistently trying to remind myself of those things. It is learning to love a new and more empowered version of me.”

Shayea splits her time between training and studying sociology at the University of Plymouth.

It leaves her little time for much else, but the 27-year-old is laser-focussed on what she wants to achieve this summer.

“Visualisation is huge for me,” she added. “To be able to perform at your best, it is having that ability to go into that mindset and to be able to really be calm but also powerful.

“I want to remind myself that I should enjoy every moment of it.”

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