Aishath Ulya: Making Waves at the Olympic Games Paris 2024
Competing in the Olympic Games is a dream for every athlete and demands immense determination and many years of training. Representing the Maldives at the 2024 Paris Olympics is a dream come true for Aishath Ulya, a current resident of St Catherine’s at Curtin University.
Balancing rigorous swimming training with the demands of her Architectural degree at Curtin, Aishath competed at Paris La Défense Arena in August. She returned with a wealth of experience and lessons in grit, inspiring her teammates and fellow residents. She outlined her approach to achieving both academic excellence and her Olympic dream.
How did you prepare for the Paris Olympics?
I grew up on the island country, where I trained in Indian Ocean. However, living on campus at St Cat’s reduced my travel time between activities and has given me access to world class facilities. Living at College also helped me balance full-time studies with training and competitions.
How did you handle the pressure of representing the Maldives?
During the competition, the pressure was somewhat stressful due to media, expectations and training. Surprisingly, just before the race, I felt the calmest.
Can you share an experience from the Paris Olympics that significantly impacted you?
I have been a Maldivian national team swimmer since 2016. I have travelled to represent my country in numerous international competitions to countries from Sri Lanka, India, Uzbekistan to Mauritius, Nepal and Turkey. The most memorable moment of the Paris Olympics was stepping onto the field in front of the loudest crowd I have ever faced. Instead of feeling nervous, I was calm and excited, which taught me a lot about myself as a person and athlete.
The experience I gained in Paris has significantly boosted my confidence and clarified my vision for development. Transitioning from training in the ocean in a country without a swimming pool to a top facility has been incredible. I fully intend to make the most of this opportunity.