Cover image via Sinar HarianOnce celebrated as a Paralympic swimming star, Zul Amirul Sidi Abdullah now struggles to make ends meet, even finding it difficult to afford a new walking stick, living in obscurity since his retirement
Known for his remarkable achievements in the pool, Zul, 53, was a key figure in Malaysia's Paralympic swimming scene, earning recognition for his contributions to the sport both on the national and state levels.
However, following his retirement in 2017, the recognition he once received seemed to fade.
Now residing in PPR Paroi in Seremban, Zul, who was born with a disability that affects him from the waist down, faces financial challenges that have made it difficult for him to maintain the lifestyle he once knew.
"I'm not blaming anyone, but I feel like my contributions to the country and state have been forgotten after I retired as an athlete," said Zul, reflecting on his post-retirement struggles.
Despite his status as a Paralympic athlete, he now earns less than RM1,000 a month as a private coach, a stark contrast to his former glory, reported Harian Metro.
Image via Sinar Harian
Although Zul still teaches swimming, primarily focusing on individuals with disabilities, the income from his coaching is unstable
"The fee I charge for my swimming classes is among the lowest in the state," he explained.
"Income depends on the number of students and how often they attend lessons. After a few months, parents often stop the classes once their children can swim, and new students come and go."
Zul also receives a modest allowance from the Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN), amounting to RM350 per month, for his role as a swimming facilitator for Paralympic athletes in Negeri Sembilan, reported Sinar Harian.
In addition, he gets RM450 a month from the Social Welfare Department as a disability allowance. Yet, these amounts are hardly sufficient to cover his living expenses, which include the cost of rent and family needs.
"I'm grateful for the allowances I get, but with my responsibilities and commitments, life is still quite difficult," he shared, adding that he has considered asking for charity on the streets.
"I didn't want to embarrass my wife and kids, so I continue to try my best to find ways to support them," he said, his voice heavy with emotion.
Image via Sinar Harian
Despite his struggles, Zul remains proud of his legacy in the sport
Over his 17-year swimming career, he earned several prestigious awards, including three gold medals in consecutive years at the Osaka tournament in Japan (2006-2007) and one gold and three silver medals at the 2011 competition in the UAE.
"My achievements are still there for everyone to see," he said, gesturing towards the medals hanging on his wall.
"I've contributed to the country and the state, and I just wish my expertise could be better utilised."
He is also proud to have passed on his skills to the next generation, with both of his sons — Muhammad Amirul Rasul, 17, and Anas Zul Amirul Sidi, 15 — following in his footsteps and achieving success in Paralympic swimming.
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