'Life is a desire'
Saman Awla finds freedom in swimming after life-changing accident
SHAQLAWA — Saman Awla, a resident of the Basrma sub-district in Shaqlawa, Erbil, turned a tragic car accident that cost him the use of both legs in 2000 into a story of resilience and determination. Overcoming an initial terror of water, he learned to swim, transforming his relationship with the element that once scared him.
“When I swim, it’s the only time I don’t feel like a disabled person,” Saman told reporters. “In the water, I feel healthy. In the water, you either dive beneath the surface or stay afloat, but either way, you are free.”
The accident left Saman grappling with severe physical limitations and emotional distress. It was during a visit that his father provided words of encouragement that became a turning point. “My dear son, life is a desire; it would not be destroyed, and its secret must be unveiled. If you adapt to this reality, you will start thinking about the favorite doors of life,” his father advised.
Motivated by his father’s words, Saman embarked on a journey of self-improvement through swimming. This new activity not only helped him find solace but also contributed to his physical health. He managed to lose eight kilograms, slimming down from 74 kilograms to 66 kilograms, countering the weight gain from his previously sedentary lifestyle.
Saman’s fear of water slowly dissipated as he progressed from swimming in local pools to navigating ponds and rivers. “Before, I was very scared of water. Whenever I reached a river or a pond, my head would spin with fear. But with the help of my swimming friends, I learned to overcome this fear,” he explained.
Now in his mid-thirties, married, and a father of two, Saman has become a symbol of hope and possibility for others facing similar challenges, demonstrating how resilience can redefine the boundaries of possibility.
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