Jad Elali - 16
Football
"After my knee surgery, getting back to goalkeeping wasn’t just about getting my body ready, I had to get my mind back too. I was scared of getting injured again and worried I wouldn’t be able to perform like I used to. But I kept showing up, putting in the work, and reminding myself to be patient. To any student athlete going through something similar, don’t rush yourself. Take it day by day and focus on the small steps. Some days will feel harder than others, but that doesn’t mean you’re not making progress. Be easy on yourself, don’t give up, and trust that with time and hard work, you’ll get back to where you want to be."