Loading Docs 2022 - Beneath the Surface

Web (Full Length) – 2022

Swimmer Tupou Neifui's gold medal at the 2021 Paralympics was the result of months of single-minded training. A hit and run accident when Neifui was two left her with a brain injury and weak left side, but she found her strength in the water. This short documentary follows Neifui's preparation for the 2022 Birmingham Paralympic Games. Along with a bout of covid which exacerbates the fatigue from her brain injury Neifui battles deep self-doubt and a poor self-image. She reflects on how her Tongan culture discourages women from 'showing' themselves in togs, and how hard it is to accept her own body.

Do I feel like I'm on track? No. There's been a lot of ups and downs this year...mostly downs, so far . . . I definitely feel tonnes of pressure, I wake up at about 4.30 almost every morning. I one hundred percent believe most athletes have at one point thought about throwing in the towel.
– Champion paralympic swimmer Tupou Neifu opens up about her training