Champion wrestler donates liver to mother, pivots to coaching

Altynai Mamarasul kyzy's promising wrestling career, marked by national, Asian, and world championship titles, came to an abrupt halt at age 20. The decision to step away was not for personal reasons, but to save her mother's life by donating a portion of her liver. This selfless act, however, came with profound personal sacrifices.

“

If I have to leave sports, so be it. If I don't get an Olympic medal, so be it. The main thing is to save my mother's life. For me, that would be more valuable than any Olympic award.

Her husband demanded she choose between him and her mother, a choice Mamarasul kyzy did not hesitate to make. She left him while pregnant, facing the immense challenge of raising a young child and supporting her mother's recovery simultaneously. The financial strain was significant, forcing her to wean her daughter early to focus on her mother's treatment.

“

It turned out that my husband said: 'Choose – me or my mother.' I chose my mother.

Appealing to the public for help, Mamarasul kyzy managed to raise the necessary funds within 15 days. Her mother underwent a successful surgery in India. Now, her daughter is six years old, her mother has recovered, and Mamarasul kyzy herself is in good health. Though her own competitive career was sidelined, she found a new path in sports, inspired by fellow athlete Aysuluu Tynybekova, to coach and mentor aspiring female wrestlers in Osh, guiding them toward their own Olympic dreams.

“

Why not?