Palestinian’s most successful Paralympian is returning home from Rio2016 having once again proudly represented his country and people in the international championships.
Husam Azzam, from Gaza, won a bronze medal in shot put in the Sydney Paralympics in 2000 and a bronze in Athens in 2004. His achievements come in spite of the terrible training facilities he has access to in the refugee camp in which he lives.
This year, Azzam struggled to obtain the necessary permits to leave the besieged Gaza Strip and travel to Brazil to take part in the games, however his commitment paid off and he was able to make the journey.
At home, Azzam lives in a rented house in the Jabalia refugee camp in the south of the Gaza Strip. He trains in a small, sandy field not far from his house.
Azzam has an old wheelchair which does not match the minimum international standards for the Paralympics, however this does not stop him training and improving his technique and ability.
Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip in 2014 struck at the heart of Azzam’s success; an Israeli shell hit his home and reduced all his belongings, including his medals, to rubble.
In spite of this, Azzam hopes to break world records and achieve success for himself and his country in future championships and replace all the medals which were obliterated.
Exclusive images by MEMO Photographer Mohammed Asad.
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