​“I think for me it’s more than medals, it’s about representation,” says Doaa Shayea as she trains for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The para powerlifter from Plymouth will compete for England for the first time in Glasgow this summer, and for the 28-year-old, donning the England vest means far more than glory on the podium.
If I can show someone else that you can lift heavy weights, be incredibly strong as a woman, that’s super empowering, she told BBC South West. It’s crucial for people with disabilities to see someone like me out there chasing dreams, she added, believing that inspiring even one person beyond the medals would be a lasting achievement—a legacy that transcends any trophy.
Shayea was born with spina bifida, a condition affecting the spinal cord, and she turned to powerlifting in 2022 after previously competing as a wheelchair racer. Her recent silver medal at the European Para Powerlifting Championships in Georgia in March highlighted her rising trajectory, and with the support of her strong Muslim faith, she positions Glasgow as a stage for further glory.
Yet powerlifting is about more than competition for her. It’s about building physical resilience and independence. It’s about becoming stronger as a woman in a wheelchair, she explained. The sport helps increase bone density, fortifies muscle, and shapes a powerful physique capable of supporting her through aging. For someone with a disability, the ability to rely on one’s own strength to navigate daily life can be profoundly empowering.
That personal empowerment—finding strength to live independently and to thrive—forms a core part of why Shayea remains so drawn to the sport. It’s a channel through which she can grow, flourish, and stay resilient in every aspect of life.
During training in Plymouth, Shayea has honed her routine in preparation for the Commonwealth Games, where Glasgow will mark her debut in a multi-sport event. The long journey away from home and loved ones has required sacrifices, but she believes the payoff will be worth it if she can earn England a medal and represent her country with pride.
“The Commonwealth Games are becoming real with each session,” she said with growing excitement. The closer she gets to Glasgow, the more the anticipation builds—the adrenaline, the nerves, the thrill of competition all intensifying. Her focus remains on savoring the moment: enjoying the experience of wearing the England vest, delivering her best performance, and giving the event the respect it deserves.
Shayea’s mission extends beyond personal achievement. She aims to inspire others with disabilities by showing what’s possible when determination meets opportunity. Her message is about possibility, not just podium finishes: if her efforts help even one person feel empowered to pursue their own ambitions despite challenges, she says, she has achieved something far greater than medals.
As she prepares for the Commonwealth Games, Shayea continues to train at home in Plymouth, refining her technique, building strength, and sharpening the mental game that accompanies elite competition. Her path reflects a broader story about representation, resilience, and the impact of sport in transforming lives. With Glasgow on the horizon, the para powerlifter remains steadfast in her belief that strength, independence, and faith can converge to redefine what’s possible for athletes with disabilities—one lift at a time.