Doaa Shayea hopes her Commonwealth Games debut can be an inspiration for others to chase their dreams.
Shayea became the first English athlete to compete at the Commonwealth Games in a hijab, as the para powerlifter came sixth in the women’s heavyweight competition at Glasgow 2026.
The Plymouth native was delighted with her performance and hopes others watching at home can take heart from what she has achieved.
“From day one, it's always been about representation for me,” she said.
“It means more than medals to me to be able to be that representation for other females to see themselves, other hijabis, and people like myself to see that anything's possible.
“If I can do it, there's space for them in sport as well.”
Shayea has enjoyed an impressive four years since switching from wheelchair racing, after being talent spotted for her potential in para powerlifting.
She studies sociology at the University of Plymouth alongside her training and the 28-year-old has not looked back since making the change.
“It just goes to show that because you've left one sport, it doesn't mean it's the end,” she added.
“It could be the beginning of something beautiful in something different.”
Shayea produced a best lift of 110kg and though she did not challenge the medals, admitted she could not have given any more out on the stage.
She said: “I'm still trying to have it soak in. I don't think it has fully yet, but that was just incredible.
“It couldn't have been a better performance at my first Commonwealth Games, so I'm just ecstatic.
“The aim was to hit some big numbers that I've been working towards for a while and to get all of the numbers in. I couldn't ask for more.
“As with any competition, preparation is long and hard work, and a lot of sacrifice. To be able to have all of that rewarded back to me in that result is such a surreal moment.
“It's just an insane experience to be at my first Games and to experience everything. I've been really trying to take every minute in and just reflect and not miss a minute of it all. I feel like I've been able to really soak it in.”
Shayea brought plenty of glamour to proceedings, with glittery red shoes and equally sparkling make-up.
And the 28-year-old is determined to break down preconceptions through her performances.
She said: “For me, it's "’Lift good, look good.’ It's about looking good because then I can lift good.
“I've always been someone who coordinates, and being a hijabi means you can also be stylish and feminine, so why not?”
James Reid/Sportsbeat 2026
