Azerbaijan’s Afag Sultanova began her career practicing karate before switching to judo at the age of 13.
Competing as an able-bodied judoka, Sultanova was considered a strong opponent winning the European Youth and World Championships in 2008.
A serious injury left her with a visual impairment that had her considering retirement.
Drawing inspiration from fellow countryman Ilham Zakiyev, Sultanova decided to continue training.
The 2010 world champion came into the London 2012 Paralympic Games as the woman to beat.
Serving as a BP ambassador, Sultanova won her first Paralympic gold with an ippon over Brazil’s Lucia da Silva Teixeira.
Involved with a new Azerbaijani project, “The Development of Disabled Children through Encouraging Force of London 2012 Games,” Sultanova is helping spread the Paralympic values throughout Azerbaijan.
