Teenagers are often chastised for their tardiness, lack of ambition and tendency to sleep in to the afternoon hours – but then Omeir Saeed is not your typical adolescent.
The 17-year-old American University of Sharjah student counts studying among his favourite things to do during his spare time, and spent last weekend either gliding along the water or flying through the air while competing at the World Wakeboarding Association Wake Park World Championships in Abu Dhabi.
Saeed competed in the Pro Men category at his home event, which was held at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Khalifa City from November 5-7, competing alongside men some of the best wakeboarders in the world.
And following an impressive performance, the UAE teen is being touted as a rising star by one of the sport’s top athletes, Tom Fooshee.
Sport360 was given the opportunity to chat with Saeed in the wake of the event.
You took part in the WAA Wake Park World Championships at the weekend. How did you do?
I did really well. I made it to the finals in Pro Men, Traditional Cable and on top of that managed to take home the Open Wakeskate World Champion title.
What was the standard of the competition like?
The level of riding was very high. The best riders in the world were battling it out to take home the world champion title.
What was it like competing at a home tournament? Were you nervous or just excited to be competing in front of your home crowd?
I was nervous but at the same time I was happy because I was able to compete in front of all my friends and family.
How does the Abu Dhabi part of the tour and the Al Forsan resort compare to other venues you’ve been to?
Since this is my home park I am very used to it. Moreover, all my friends and family were there to cheer me on and that motivated me to do my best. Compared to the other competitions I have been to, this was the most fun.
How did you get into wakeboarding?
My friend took me to Al Forsan after school one day to go wakeboarding and, after that, I got hooked.
What’s been your biggest achievement in the sport so far?
I took home the 2012 Junior Men World Championship title which was a big achievement for me, but I have to say, making it to finals in Pro Men against the best wakeboarders in the world last weekend has been my biggest achievement.
What’s the coolest trick you’ve ever pulled off?
I recently landed a 1080 which is 3×360 degree rotation in the air.
Tom Fooshee is predicting a big future for you and thinks you’re going to become a global star. What does that mean to you to hear things like that from someone at the top of the sport?
Hearing that from Tom really motivated me to do my best and to ride as well as possible.
What’s next for you? What are you targeting from the rest of the season?
The season is almost over but there is one more competition in Thailand in December, so hopefully I’ll go and do that, if I can get out of university for a week.
What are your ambitions for the future?
To wakeboard as much as possible and just have fun.
Who are your sporting and/or personal idols and why?
Tom Fooshee first taught me to hit obstacles back in 2011 so if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be where I am now. On top of that, he is 30 and still killing it on a board.
What’s the craziest/funniest thing that’s happened to you on a wakeboard?
I once did a big trick off the flats and the rope just snapped and I was sling-shotted across the water.
Have you ever been in real danger out on the water?
You can always be in danger but as long as you wear a life jacket and helmet and follow the cable rules you will avoid it.
What advice would you give to any youngster wanting to get into wakeboarding?
When you do what you love, time and self-doubt are your only barriers. Just have fun.
When you’re not wakeboarding, what else do you like to do in your spare time?
Study and hang out with my friends.
