Today's Edition
MOHAMMAD GHAZAL, SHAMA ABDULLA (AL AIN)
When 29-year-old Emirati amputee Abdulla Aleissaee won the bronze medal in Spain’s Bigman Championship, his achievement mirrored not just his physical strength, but his determination and unbreakable spirit.
After a car accident in 2020 resulted in the loss of his leg, the young athlete persevered. “I was determined to resume my activities normally in spite of all the odds,” he told Aletihad in an exclusive interview.
Under the bright lights of Spain’s Bigman Championship, Abdulla Aleissaee stood triumphant. The gleam of his bronze medal mirrored not just his physical strength, but sheer determination and the unbreakable spirit of the 29-year-old Emirati man who refused to be defined by a disability.
The determined Emirati amputee who won an international bodybuilding championship still vividly recollected the occasion: “The moment I received the medal, I felt proud as an Emirati… challenged….and determined,” Aleissaee told Aletihad in an interview.
The life-altering journey of the Emirati icon started with his passion for bodybuilding at a young age. Inspired by photos of bodybuilders on social media, Aleissaee joined a gym and embarked on a regular workout routine and disciplined lifestyle in 2016. It didn’t take Aleissaee long to grab his first bodybuilding gold medal in 2017 in Al Ain, UAE.
In 2020, Aleissaee life took a turn when he lost his left leg in a car accident. Despite the lengthy and painful recovery process, Aleissaee’s determination to continue his passion found renewed vigour from his hospital bed.
“I felt that if I allowed myself to remain trapped in this condition, it would be difficult for me to reclaim the life I had. I wanted to move on, and I was determined to resume my activities normally in spite of all the odds, even if that entailed only resuming 1% of my capabilities,” he said.
Aleissaee, remarking on his deep dislike for procrastination, recalled sending his trainer a WhatsApp message from his hospital bed in the midst of his recovery. The message contained a request to start the training as soon as possible after he was discharged from the hospital “so I could take part in international championships”.
The yearning to get back into shape and continue training served as a balm in the healing process, he said.
“I will be back to training, so be prepared,” Aleissaee remembered telling his personal trainer. Taken aback by his unwavering determination, the trainer comforted him and wished him a speedy recovery.
“My trainer told me not to worry and tried to comfort me,” he said.
Immediately after leaving the hospital, Aleissaee resumed his bodybuilding journey.
Intense and passionate training were the hallmarks of Aleissaee’s post-recovery period. Winning gold at the Empro Classic Spain in 2022 was not just a comeback for the bodybuilder; it was a declaration.
He noted that his rigorous routine does take a toll on his social life, a prize he is wholeheartedly willing to pay to take his passion to new heights. Aleissaee pays special attention to his meal plans and kicks his training into high gear, especially three or four months before any championship.
So far, Aleissaee has participated in a total of eight bodybuilding championships locally and internationally.
Apart from his love for bodybuilding, Aleissaee is also an avid skier and snowboarder.
His other sporting pursuits have also paid off; Aleissaee won a silver medal in the Ski Dubai 2022 competition.
With his sights set on the prestigious Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas, Aleissaee’s bodybuilding journey is far from over.
“My dream is to compete in the US, especially Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas, which is considered one of the hardest championships as it requires a lot of preparation and effort,” Aleissaee said.
His unquenchable passion for sports is his driving force.
“If someone has a goal in mind constantly, that’s the key to success. My dream, and my next goal, is to be able to run,” he said.
