What would you do if you discovered you were pregnant two days before you were set to compete in a qualifier for the Olympics? 29-year-old Nur Suyani Mohamed Taibi did what she had to do: She won. Now, Nur Suyani is not only making her Olympics debut as the first woman to represent Malaysia in shooting, but at eight months, she is also setting the record for the most heavily pregnant competitor in Olympic history. Wow, is that amazing or what?!
Nur Suyani was almost pulled out of the competition when, after hearing of her pregnancy, Malaysian sports officials became concerned about her and her child's health and asked that another shooter replace her. But luckily, her doctor gave her permission to travel, securing the Olympic spot she had worked so hard for.
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Now, she told The New York Times, her biggest worry going into the competition is that her baby will kick just as she pulls the trigger. "I will talk to her, say, 'Mum is going to shoot just for a while. Can you just be calm?"' she said of her planned solution.
In fact, instead of looking at her pregnancy as a possible hinderance to her abilities, Nur Suyani says that being pregnant has actually helped her shooting by increasing her stability (due to the extra weight perhaps?). And though she admits staying in the competition is a "challenge," she considers her baby lucky for getting to go to the Olympics before she is even born!
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I am honestly in complete awe of this woman, who has not only managed to rise above her many (mostly male) competitors and get herself to the Olympics (not exactly an easy feat!), but also to maintain her determination and strength even after discovering her pregnancy. Though I'm sure many question her decision–particularly since she specializes in a shooting event–I personally find her unbreakable perseverance incrediby inspiring.
Tthis is something she has been working towards her whole life, an accomplishment that has required years of training and hours of sweat, blood and tears. Why should she give it up if her and her baby can safely do it together?
Besides, if anything, her participation in the competition–win OR lose–will make for one amazing story to tell her future child.
What do you think of Nur Suyani's choice to compete while pregnant? Tell us in the comments below!
Image via Getty Images
