Here’s Why Egyptian Swimmer Farida Osman Won’t Walk in Rio’s Opening Ceremony

Egyptian swimmer Farida Osman will not be joining the other 123 athletes on Friday’s Opening Ceremony so she can represent her country to the fullest at this month’s Olympics Games in Rio, she told Al Arabiya English.

Osman’s dedication for her country is unquestionable, as it was reported that the first thing the 21-year-old swimmer did when she arrived to Rio de Janeiro was heading straight for the practice pool to train. “Because I start on Saturday, I won’t be walking in the Opening Ceremony, which is kind of disappointing. It’s obviously a special moment, but I will watch my guys on TV and keep on cheering. Honestly, I really want a final in one of my races so I need to rest — I know the ceremony can take a lot out of you,” Osman explains why she’s skipping the ceremony.

Having being part of the London Olympics four years ago, Osman knows exactly what she is missing. Before boarding her flight to Rio, she Instagrammed a photo with the caption, “in order to perform at my best I’ll be minimizing my social media presence.”

WE SAID THIS: We totally understand and we wish you the best of luck, Osman.