The Power of Quiet Resilience - Annabel Kiki

29 Sept

Last Saturday at the City of Coventry Long Course Sprint Meet, the pool was buzzing with all the usual intensity — the splash off the blocks, the race to the wall, the push for times. But beyond the stopwatch, one swimmer stood out: Annabel Kiki. I had the opportunity to talk to Annabel and her mum.

Annabel’s story is nothing short of inspiring. At just 13, in early 2022, she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. After more than a year of chemotherapy, Annabel made the brave and life-changing decision to undergo an amputation. For many, that might have felt like an ending. For Annabel, it became the start of something new.

Annabel refuses to be defined by loss or limitation. Instead of calling herself “disabled,” she proudly embraces the word “enhanced.” With the help of her Genium X3 prosthetic, she not only lives actively but thrives — as an international athlete, youth ambassador, model, travel blogger, and advocate for amputee inclusion. Along the way, she has earned recognition such as the Golden Boot award and the Smiley Champion of Change, while also appearing in campaigns and media features that showcase both her strength and her story.

What struck me most on Saturday wasn’t just Annabel’s performance in the water — though her racing carried the same grit and determination that defines her journey. It was everything around it: the way she cheered on her teammates and showed up with both presence and determination. No ego, no fuss, just quiet resilience.

Meeting Annabel reminded me of a few truths worth carrying forward:

1. Adversity doesn’t define you.

Annabel says, “I’m not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become.” Everyone faces storms, but it’s our response that shapes us.

2. Adaptation is not a setback — it’s a tool.

Her embrace of prosthetics, sport, and advocacy reframes the narrative from limitation to possibility.

3. Service and community matter.

Annabel uses her platform not only for herself but to uplift others — speaking about accessibility, coaching younger amputees, and pushing for broader change.