13-year-old Ayra Mohamed Arushad's skills can be summarized with the following. Even though she has no family background in sports, her determination is strong. She is a rising star in both running and basketball.

Three years ago when she was 10 years old, Ayra's running skills were being noticed in the Inter School Athletics Championships. Ayra began running on her own initiative and has seen major improvement in a short amount of time.

It is not easy to balance academics and sports training at the same level. However, Ayra manages her time and does everything in order.

"Before going to school, I take part in morning gym sessions. I take a nap after my studies and for the rest my body needs. I pay attention to food that is healthy," said Ayra, who is studying in the 8th grade in Jamaluddin School.

Ayra's aunt Maaidhath is her coach who prepares her for running training. Her coach, who also works as an instructor at the Glowfit gym, gives important advice to Ayra, telling her to always be persistent, and to always trust the work she puts in, said Ayra.

"Persistence is the key to success. And also trusting the work being put in," said Ayra when she was asked what was the most valuable advice her coach had given her.

Her most notable race in the races she has competed in is the most recent Dhiraagu Road Race. Ayra achieved success in the age group she participated in.

Before stepping out to compete in a major race, it is important to be physically and mentally prepared. Ayra steps out to compete in marathons such as the Dhiraagu Road Race with those preparations in mind.

"I give my body the proper rest it needs in terms of preparing physically. When preparing mentally, I work to change and sort of dissatisfaction or anxiety into happiness," said Ayra while describing her preparations for major races.

Ayra had an important message to give to children who go into running for the first time, and that is a message of getting rid of the fear and anxiety that forms in the hearts of every child that steps into sports.

"Do not compare yourself to others. Trust the work you put in and stay persistent. Good results will be seen in the appropriate time," Ayra said.

Running increases physical fitness and patience, and aids in progressing in other sports. Ayra's performance in basketball, her top priority and main sport, improved because of the training she began for races.

Basketball coach Ali Isham (Bunny) instructs Ayra in training her for the two sports, and her hope is to reach the top in basketball.

"Ayra's aim is to reach greater heights in basketball. She is being aided by the "Bunny coach" or Ali Isham, well-known by many. The hope is to play for the national basketball team," said Ayra's mother.

In order to achieve that dream, Ayra has made progress in basketball and races from the time she began running as part of her efforts.