24 November 2015 www.womanthismonth.com PEOPLE | cover story Our editor Fernanda Langhammer spoke to Bahraini athlete, Sameera Al Bitar about her swimming career and her new venture in the triathlon world. Sporting Spirit Sameera Al Bitar is a 25-year-old athlete who has dedicated her life to swimming competitions since a very young age. Her passion led her to represent Bahrain at two Olympic Games and many other important competitions. The sport also gave her the opportunity to study at George Washington University in USA and travel the world. Now she’s decided to expand her path into triathlon, a sport that involves swimming, biking and running. She tells us more. Woman This Month (WTM): When did your passion for swimming start? Sameera Al Bitar (SB): It started at a very young age when I joined a friend at a swim session. Before I knew, I was on the school team, which led me to join a club team to improve and get a bit more training. I realised then that it was something I enjoyed doing. At the age of 12, Bahrain formed its first women's squad, which I joined and have been swimming with since then. I wouldn't consider swimming my profession as I was never at the elite level to quit school/work, as my times weren't fast enough. WTM: In which major swimming events have you represented Bahrain? SB: I have been competing for the past 13 years, and during my swimming career I represented Bahrain in two Olympic Games (Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008), five world championships (Barcelona 2003, Montreal 2005, Melbourne 2007, Rome 2009 and Barcelona 2013) and the 2006 Asian Games. As I am new with the triathlon team, the major competitions which I’ve competed in consist of the Asian Beach Games (Pukhet), the Pan Arab Championships (Sharm El Sheikh) and, more recently, the World Championships held in Chicago. WTM: Can you describe the feeling of participating in the Olympic Games? SB: The two consecutive Olympic Games were by far two of the most memorable experiences I've ever lived through, it was a different world. Living at the athletes’ village, making new friends from around the globe while learning about new cultures, watching top athletes train and compete was a true eye-opener. Being able to walk at the opening ceremony was the highlight of both games as it's a truly remarkable feeling walking in the stadium with all the teams. Competing at the Games was extremely nerve-racking I must say, you get too caught up in the environment, there are cameras everywhere, a huge crowd and extremely fast athletes. You learn a lot out of such experience that you really can't get anywhere else and I'm very fortunate for having the opportunity to go twice. WTM: What were the main challenges you found in your path? SB: One of the biggest challenges was the lack of facilities; at one point, the association did not have a swimming pool as they were rebuilding the current Olympic-sized pool we use today. A training facility was not available all the time, as many of the clubs that do have a training pool didn't have a heater/chiller so at times it would be either too hot or too cold. Another challenge was the lack of competitions held in Bahrain because there aren't many females that practise this sport so most of the competing was done at an international level. WTM: And what were the best things that happened that you could highlight during this journey? SB: Once you dedicate yourself to a sport from a very young age, you learn life lessons, which are extremely valuable for the future. This journey has really benefited me as I travelled the world and learned about new cultures. I've met people from different backgrounds and I also learned life skills which include time management, responsibility, dedication and commitment to name a few. WTM: You are now re-directing your career I represented Bahrain in two Olympic Games, five world championships and the 2006 Asian Games
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