Farida Osman, one of Egypt’s most well known swimmers and a former Olympian, has publicly criticized the Egyptian Swimming Federation, stating that their actions contributed to her not being able to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Osman, 29, previously represented Egypt at the 2012, 2016 and 2020 Olympics and is one of Egypt’s, and Africa’s, most decorated swimmers. In a video released on her personal Facebook and Instagram account on Wednesday 13 August, along with an official statement that followed a day later, the three-time World Championship bronze medallist explained that she and the coaching staff had worked towards achieving her participation at the 2024 Paris Olympics. “I was unexpectedly asked to compete in the African Games in Ghana, which was not part of the original strategy,” Osman said. “I was concerned that this additional competition would affect my training and preparation for the Olympics.” Osman inquired about the status of the African Games, and whether it was a qualifying event for the Olympics or not, as the games would “impact her training plan.” “I was told that [the African Games] were not a qualifying event,” she continued….
Farida Osman Slams Egypt’s Swimming Federation for Handling of Olympics Qualification
August 15, 2024
By Belal Nawar
Senior Journalist
