Champion swimmer Tupou Neiufi is gearing up to compete at her third Paralympic Games, having conquered some mental health challenges on her journey to Paris.
Of Tongan descent and born and raised in Māngere East, 23-year-old Tupou is the oldest of seven siblings. She jokes that there’s “never a dull moment coming from a huge family”, but says her younger siblings inspire her “to be the type of person they would want as a role model”.
Tupou was hit by a car as a two-year-old, and the accident left her with a brain injury left-sided hemiplegia, which means one side of her body is stronger than the other.
She played netball as a kid but after having “a lot of difficulty trying to keep up with the rest of the girls”, her then-physio Jane Hammer suggested she try swimming as a form of rehab.
“I didn’t notice my talent as I was just a kid trying to have some fun and freedom in the pool.
“But my swim instructor had noticed and suggested Paralympics, and the rest is history,” she says.
Tupou first swum for New Zealand at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, at just age 15. Her public profile was boosted when she nabbed our first gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 games, winning the Women’s 100m Backstroke S8.
Having been bullied as a child for her disability, Tupou encourages younger athletes to tap into their self-belief and authenticity.
“Believe in yourself, but most importantly be you. You’re not going to get anything out of pretending to be someone else, so be your most authentic and unapologetic self,” says Tupou.
She would encourage aspiring athletes to “keep pushing through and take in every moment you get, because unfortunately sport isn’t a forever thing.
“I’ve had countless of challenges on the way and still am going through a few more. All I can say is that mental health is real and it can take a toll at any moment no matter where you are.
“You’re not alone, you’re loved and you are more than enough. Regularly reach out and check on your loved ones,” she says.
Tupou is looking forward to connecting with other elite para athletes in Paris, and enjoying some French cuisine between competing.