Meet youngest member on KT+150 list: Skating prodigy with autism

A 15-year-old skating prodigy on the autism spectrum, who was the youngest member on the KT Plus 150 list said he was “grateful and honoured” to be the only person of determination on the list.

- Nasreen Abdulla [e-mail]

Earlier this year, Zayne Merzi Sodawaterwala shattered records and became the first person with intellectual impairment to set a Guinness World Record in inline skating by completing 10km in 40 minutes and 4 seconds.

On Wednesday, he arrived at the KT Plus 150 soiree at Chic Nonna along with his father Merzi Sodawaterwala and mingled with other guests. The loud music, crowded floor and incessant chatter seemed to do little to dampen his spirit. “Earlier, he used to dislike loud places,” Merzi told Khaleej Times. “But now, he has become better at managing things he struggled with.”

After setting the Guinness World Record, Zayne has gone onto skate a full marathon distance of 42.55km in 4 hours and 27 seconds. He is also working with several high-profile events across the country including marathons and wellness events. Next month, he will be partnering with the Dubai Fitness Challenge as well to encourage more Dubai residents to get active.

Beginning to skate