Hawa, 11
Student

When are you happiest?

When I’m in my gymnastics class. I like that I push hard, and it hurts, but it pays off.

What is something you are passionate about?

I’m passionate about sport. I love sport.

What is a significant achievement of yours?

Back in 2015 I won a gold at a gymnastics competition. I was happy.

What do you hope to achieve in 2016?

I hope to achieve 3 golds at my coming up competition.

Who is your role model?

I look up to Annie Logan because she is a level 8 gymnast and she’s really good. And she’s around my age but I still look up to her.

You have to work so hard and you would have had to have started at a really young age to be that young and be a level 8 gymnast.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

That I’m part Somalian, whereas people don’t think I am part Somalian.

What is the riskiest or scariest thing you’ve done?

Probably learning a back-tuck because I’d have to be in the air for a couple of seconds, it was scary.

What’s something that has changed your life?

Having all of my siblings because I remember, I think I was two and I only had two older siblings but now I have four younger siblings and two older siblings so it’s nice.

What does ‘Allah’ mean to you?

Allah means to me that he is god and he is the creator of everything, whatever he says goes, you have to listen.

What’s your best advice for others?

Be yourself. Don’t be anyone else, be yourself. I remember I used to act different to different people, I don’t know why but I would.