How 17-year-old Hussein Shawky made history for UAE swimming

Dubai: For 17-year-old Hussein Shawky, success isn’t an accident — it’s the natural outcome of discipline, commitment, and relentless hard work. These values, he says, were instilled in him long before he first dove into a pool.

“My role model in life is my grandfather,” Hussein told Gulf News. “He was always extremely disciplined, committed and hardworking. I believe that I inherited these traits from him, which helped me overcome challenges in my swimming career.”

That foundation of character has already propelled the young swimmer into the history books. Representing the UAE at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, Hussein became the first athlete to ever win a gold medal for the country’s swim team. His electrifying victory in the 50m butterfly didn’t just earn him the top podium spot — it also set a new record for the event.

New chapter

An Egyptian national and Year 13 scholarship student at GEMS Wellington Academy — Al Khail, Hussein began swimming competitively in 2015 with Hamilton Aquatics. He advanced through every tier of the academy’s performance pathway, eventually earning the opportunity to represent Egypt at various international meets.

In 2024, a new chapter opened. Hussein became eligible to race for the UAE national swimming team, joining the squad for the 4th Arab Aquatics Championships in Morocco. There, he added two age-group medals to his growing resume and shattered the Arab record in the 50m freestyle.

Now, multiple NCAA Division 1 universities in the United States are vying for his talent, offering scholarships that will allow him to continue both his academic journey and swimming career at an elite level starting next year.

Behind the medals and records is a brutal training routine. “My training schedule is very intense,” Hussein said. “I swim eight times a week with three gym sessions. My school, GEMS Wellington Academy — Al Khail, are extremely supportive and helpful with keeping me up to date with studies by giving me a customised timetable, which gives me enough time to study.”

Balancing act

This balance between academics and sport is at the heart of the GEMS Swimming Centre of Excellence, launched in 2019. The programme provides structured development pathways, professional coaching, and flexible school schedules — an ecosystem designed to nurture young athletes without compromising their education.

Joanne Hearty, Wellington Cluster Director of Sport, said Hussein’s achievement reflects the success of this model.

“We are immensely proud of Hussein’s outstanding achievement, which is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and passion for swimming. Hussein’s success is a reflection of what can be accomplished when world-class education meets top-notch training.”

For Hussein, winning UAE’s first-ever swimming gold at the Asian Youth Games is a milestone he’ll never forget. “It feels incredible to represent the UAE and to bring home the country’s first gold in swimming,” he said. “I’m grateful to my coaches, teachers, and everyone who believed in me and gave me the opportunity to chase my dream.”

But this is just the beginning. Hussein already has his eyes on the horizon. “I want to get a medal at the 2028 Olympic Games by strategic swim and gym sessions and ensuring I’m staying consistent,” he said.

With the discipline of his grandfather, the support of his school, and an unwavering drive to improve, Hussein Shawky is not just a promising athlete — he is a young man forging a legacy. And if his early achievements are any indication, the world of swimming will be hearing his name for many years to come.