Five-time Paralympian Abdi Jama is determined to overcome Great Britain’s semi-final curse and capture his first gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Born in Somalia and raised in Liverpool with his six siblings, Jama discovered his passion for wheelchair basketball early on. This passion has propelled him to become one of the world’s top talents, earning three Paralympic bronze medals, five European titles, and a world championship in 2018.
Despite his impressive achievements, Britain has fallen at the semi-final stage in all four Paralympics Jama has competed in—finishing with bronze in Beijing, Rio, and Tokyo. Jama is resolute in his quest to finally secure that elusive gold medal in Paris.
“It feels amazing to head to my fifth Paralympic Games,” Jama said. “We need to get past that semi-final hurdle. Once we do, I’m confident gold is within reach. We’ve won Europeans and worlds; we only lack one gold medal. We have come so close many times, and with our current form and team, we are ready for the challenge. For me, it’s nothing less than a final.”
Growing up in a large family in Liverpool, Jama understands the importance of the support system behind the team. He has a young daughter who has yet to see him compete at a Paralympic event. With the 2024 Games set to coincide with the school term, Jama hopes his daughter will be able to attend if they reach the final.
“I have an 11-year-old daughter, and being a role model to her and others is incredible,” Jama said. “It might be challenging for her to attend due to school, but hopefully, if we make the final, she can come out for the weekend. No pressure on us to make that final!”
Jama also looks forward to the support of his sisters and friends, who last attended a Paralympic event in London. He values the encouragement from those who have been with him from the beginning.
As he prepares for his fifth Games, Jama hopes his journey inspires others. “Starting out in sport, I was just a kid raised by a single mother. Overcoming the challenges to reach this point has been a significant achievement. If I can do it, anyone can. Hard work and dedication can make anything possible.”
Aldi proudly supports Team GB and ParalympicsGB as an official partner. By backing athletes all the way to Paris 2024, the company continues to demonstrate its commitment to excellence and achievement in sports.
