Swimmer in profile: Two-time Olympian Sameera Al Bitar

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  • We catch up with Sameera Al Bitar, a two-time Olympic swimmer from Bahrain, to discover her favourites memories of the sport and find out just what has been the toughest swim of her long and successful career. 

    Sameera Al Bitar

    Date of birth: February 21, 1990

    Birthplace: Amman, Jordan

    Nationality: Bahraini

    City of residence: Dubai

    Team/Club: Bahrain National team – currently training with Dubai Masters Club.

    Favourite stroke? Freestyle

    How did you initially get into swimming? I was taught at a very young age how to swim, and by the time I was in first grade I joined the school’s swim team and been doing it since then.

    Favourite swimmer? Egypt’s Rania Elwani

    Inspiration/idol? Nawal El Moutawakel, for being the first Arab female to win a gold at the Olympics

    Nicest venue you’ve ever swum in? Hamdan Sports Complex in Dubai and the Water Cube in Beijing.

    Career highlight/best achievement in the pool to date? Swimming at the Olympics in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.

    Toughest swim meet you’ve ever been part of? The 2003 World Championships in Barcelona – I was extremely nervous as it was my first international competition.

    Biggest dream/goal in swimming? Qualifying for the Olympics rather than going as a wildcard holder.

    Favourite meal? Grilled salmon and asparagus, with a salad on the side, followed by something sweet.

    Favourite place to visit in the UAE? The Dubai Fountain and Meydan Beach Club.

    Least favourite part of swimming practice? The first couple of minutes after jumping into a cold pool.

    Other sports or hobbies? I enjoy all kinds of sport, but recently I’ve been trying to focus on training for a triathlon – maybe an ironman one day

    Coolest person you’ve ever met? Kobe Bryant

    Favourite sporting moment you’ve ever watched? Egypt’s Farida Osman swimming the 50m fly semifinals and managing to finish 11th at the 2013 World Championships in Barcelona.

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