Record-Setting Swimmer Abdelrahman Elaraby Shares His Journey

Abdelrahman Elaraby, a 25-year-old swimmer from Egypt, has made headlines not only for breaking the African record in the men’s 50m butterfly but also for his inspiring journey through personal struggles. Elaraby’s recent achievement in Monaco highlights his exceptional talent, yet it is his story of resilience and self-discovery that resonates deeply.

In May 2023, Elaraby shattered the African record in the 50m butterfly, a moment that surprised many, including his friends. He revealed to CNN Sports, “You’ll never find me talking about swimming outside the pool.” This sentiment reflects his desire to keep his athletic success private, focusing instead on a balanced life outside the sport. “I’m very family-oriented… I read, I journal,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being alongside his swimming career.

Elaraby’s journey began in Cairo, where his mother introduced him to swimming as a way to manage his ADHD. Initially considered the “slowest kid on the team,” he persevered, eventually becoming Egypt’s national champion in the 50m butterfly by 2018. His success led him to a scholarship at the University of Louisville in Kentucky, where he competed at a high level.

However, his path took a dark turn in March 2022 when Elaraby attempted to take his own life, feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of competition and losing his passion for swimming. In a 2023 video produced by the University of Louisville for Mental Health Awareness Month, he shared his struggles with feelings of worthlessness and the subsequent journey towards recovery. Elaraby overdosed on medication and fell into a coma, but his determination to return to swimming never wavered.

Since his recovery, Elaraby has focused on “reclaiming” his life by reconnecting with his faith and reducing distractions from social media. He expressed the importance of surrounding himself with supportive people, stating, “I’m the fastest person to block people now.” This shift in mindset allowed him to rediscover his love for swimming, resulting in his victory at the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) title in the men’s 50m freestyle in 2023.

Elaraby transitioned to the University of Notre Dame after leaving Louisville, where he faced further challenges, including the suspension of the swim team. Despite the difficulties, he was inspired by a comment from an Egyptian entrepreneur, which encouraged him to swim for the joy of the sport rather than for external rewards. This perspective shift proved crucial as he faced setbacks, including a disappointing performance at the World Championships in Budapest.

Determined to excel, Elaraby took initiative to educate himself on coaching and implemented a structured training regimen. His hard work culminated in breaking the African record in the 50m butterfly, reigniting his aspirations of qualifying for the 2028 Olympics. The inclusion of the 50m butterfly in the upcoming Games has filled him with excitement, as he believes it would finally provide the recognition he deserves.

While Elaraby’s athletic achievements are impressive, he remains committed to advocating for mental health awareness. He aims to encourage others, particularly men, to seek help when needed. Sharing his story has elicited mixed reactions; some praised his courage, while others criticized him for discussing such personal matters. Elaraby expressed a desire to frame mental health discussions positively, stating, “I don’t want to create a world of mentally weak individuals. I’m just trying to allow people to see mental health the right way, just as physical health.”

Abdelrahman Elaraby’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s resilience, illustrating that success in sport is intertwined with emotional well-being. As he prepares for future competitions, his commitment to both swimming and mental health advocacy continues to inspire many.