"Limits were never mine to accept” Mattia Abdulai.

Born and raised in eastern Sierra Leone, Mattia’s journey into sport began with a life-changing accident in childhood.

“As a child I didn't understand danger. I climbed and sat on a high bench and unfortunately, I fell.  

“At first, my family didn't realise how serious the injury was. Because we were very poor, all we could afford was a traditional healer. We didn't know that my hand had already become severely damaged.” 

In the weeks that followed, his condition worsened. When he was eventually taken to hospital, doctors delivered devastating news.  

“They told my parents if I didn't undergo an operation immediately, I would lose my life within 72 hours.  

“That moment changed everything. To save my life the doctors had to amputate my arm. It was a very painful experience, especially for a child. 

“I thought, oh I have lost a lot. Especially my ambition, I wanted to do sport, and I wanted to be educated. I used to do work with my right hand and now I am forced to do it with my left hand.” 

Mattia was just six years old when he had a transmural amputation, the surgical removal of his arm beneath the shoulder. His family worried about what this would mean for his future, particularly his education. His father initially hesitated to send him to school, unsure how he would cope. 

But attending school proved transformative. 

“Even as a child I had a dream. A dream to grow and help my community. But going to school changed my life. It was at school that I discovered my talent as a sprinter. It gave me the opportunity to compete and to believe in myself again. 

“I deeply appreciate my parents for the love and strength they gave me, especially during the time of my accident. Though they are no longer here, I continue to send them love in heaven and carry their sacrifices in my heart every day. I’m also truly grateful to my uncle for standing by me and being a constant source of support through it all.” 

His talent quickly became clear. In 2021, he was encouraged by Sierra Leone’s National Olympic Committee to pursue competitive sport more seriously, leading him to relocate closer to better training facilities while continuing his education. 

A major breakthrough came in 2024, when Mattia was invited to Commonwealth Sport’s Global GAPS event in Mauritius. 

“It was my first time travelling, I had never travelled by plane before, so it was just crazy. When I arrived, the people of Mauritius were very lovely, just like the GAPS family. 

“Coming from a country like Sierra Leone which is very poor having access to equipment as a Para athlete is not easy. We don't have money to buy them. 

“The training was excellent, it was not only like a family, it was like having a mentor, having someone helping you. I love the GAPS family.” 

The experience proved pivotal, helping Mattia better understand both his potential and his place within Para sport. 

“Before attending the camp, I knew very little about my classification or even my disability. It gave me the opportunity to learn more about both, and helped me understand my classification ahead of the 2026 Para Athletics Grand Prix. I was then able to travel to Dubai, where I was officially classified as a T46/47 athlete in the long jump and high jump.” 

Mattia went on to compete at the 2026 World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai, lining up against other athletes in the T46/47 category, a classification for competitors with upper limb impairments. 

Alongside his future sporting ambitions, Mattia is equally driven by a desire to lead and serve others. He is currently completing a bachelor's degree in social work, applying his learning within his community. This coincides with Mattia’s desire to develop his understanding of the Commonwealth and all its different cultures through education. 

“Being a social worker means understanding humanity. I support people in my area freely, because I believe people should help one another.  

“You have to be someone who people can look at and think, okay we can find hope in this person. You have to look and be supportive. 

“They once feared my disability would keep me out of school, now I stand on the edge of graduation, proving that limits were never mine to accept. 

“That gives me motivation, helping people is not only something that I dream about, it's a reality that God has given me. I know that one day I will become president and help not only my nation but the world at large.” 

Looking ahead, Mattia has his sights set on the LA28 Paralympic Games. But for now his focus is on the steps in between, and to continue his development on the international stage. 

“When I reflect on where I have started up until this point, I see that everyday there is improvement. I have the opportunity to prove myself, so I have to make the most of every moment.  

“I will try to do my very best. I will be challenged to the limit and I know the sky is my limit.” 

GAPS is a multi-stakeholder partnership programme developed for emerging athletes and coaches access to additional skills, knowledge and resources with the aim of advancing coaches education, removing barriers to participation, and supporting the development of inclusive sports pathways that promote positive social change in sport and local communities. 

Watch Mattia's journey here...

As the charitable arm of Commonwealth Sport, since launching in 2020, Commonwealth Sport Foundation (CSF) has helped to equip aspiring and established athletes with the tools to build inclusive, equitable and sustainable futures by breaking down barriers in and beyond sport through programmes such as GAPS. Find out more about the CSF here