Reem El Bossaty, another champion making us proud in the Olympics at the very tender age of 19. Reem has been practicing swimming since she was 5 years old. Two years ago, she transferred to Lindenwood University in the US; where she started swimming for the University and swam for Egypt when she came back in the World competitions.
This year, Reem won 3rd place overall for Lindenwood in the US Collegiate Nationals (A competition between all colleges in the State.) But what did it take for her to reach the Olympics for the SECOND time? And does Reem have a life outside practice and swimming?
Reem El-Bossaty herself will answer all the questions all the way from London!
1) Away from practices and championships, what are your interests and goals?
I like reading and writing above everything else. Dancing to music is also a big passion for me, like contemporary and other styles. I’m also very interested in traveling the world and I have already been to 11 different countries.
2) You study Pre-law and Journalism, would you ever give up your career for swimming or vice versa?
No I wouldn’t give up either. I’ll be done with swimming for Lindenwood next year and that will give me enough time to focus on my career before I graduate.
3) Who’s your role model?
My mum is my role model; she taught me basically everything in my life. Shes a very inspirational woman whose been by my side in every step I take. She helped me overcome so many obstacles in synchro, school and life. She was also a champion, the 8th on the world in swimming. Also her husband, whose my father, died when I was 4 years old and her mother passed away recently. She’s now responsible for me, my brother and my grandfather and she holds up just well as a 100 men. I wish I could have just half the wisdom she has.
4) It’s not your first time to make it to the Olympics, tell us about your first experience.
It was in 2008 when we beat South Africa (our continent), I was 15 years old and I was working very hard in the Egyptian National team to make it to the Olympics, but at the back of my mind it was a little too far.
5) What was your reaction the 1st time and this time?
The 1st time was like a dream and I was very very excited about going and competing, it was very new for me. This time, I’ve been actually preparing for and I had set goals and hopes to accomplish here other than the first time. So to me this is more important to me than the first time especially that there are more eyes on me.
6) Talking about eyes on you, every girl on earth enjoys attention; do you feel like a star?
Haha honestly sometimes I do and sometimes I really don’t since this sport is not very much considered and the country gives no support whatsoever.
7) Why do you think that the case in Egypt? What do you think should happen to change that?
We have no utilities to support our practice system at all. We pay everything for ourselves; suits, costumes, video camera for practicing camps… plus there’s never any attention given to us. No motivation or a reason for us to keep swimming. We get no money when we’re supposed to get monthly payments and we struggle with school and colleges as we always have to travel and compete, worrying about our absences without any support from the federation.
8) On another note, do you like shoes?
YES! I love shoes and I think it’s the best part in every girl’s outfit.
9) What is Reem’s biggest dream?
Apart from synchro and everything, my biggest dream is writing a book.
WE SAID THIS: Egyptians are known for their determination and will, but Egyptian girls and women are naturally-born survivors. From Hatshepsut to Safeya Zaghlool to Nawal El Saadawi and now Reem El-Bossaty, history repeats itself proving where our hopes and strength can take us!