I Made History

Nada Mohammed Wafa, Qatar

Nada Mohammed Wafa is a two-time Olympian and the first Qatari female swimmer to participate in the Olympics. As part of the GOALS program, Nada tells the story of her swimming journey, her experiences competing at major sports events, and her hopes for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. 

So many feelings were rushing through me. I was pumped and ready to go! But I also remember the nerves. It was my first Olympics, I was only 17, the first Qatari female swimmer to participate at the Olympics - and I did not know what to expect.

I was in the call room waiting for our race. I could quite clearly hear my heart beating so fast. Everyone else was doing their own thing to psych themselves up. Listening to their favorite tunes, jumping on the spot, slapping their bodies to get their blood flowing.

A few minutes later, I was standing behind the starting blocks. Taking big breaths in and out. Then silence. I could not hear anything, no matter how loud the crowd was cheering. I was focused and ready to race.

I made history by becoming the first Qatari female swimmer to participate in the Olympics. I was the first Qatari woman to take part in two Olympics - London and Rio de Janeiro.

People have described me as a trailblazer for Qatar!

It all started at the age of 3. My dad taught me how to swim and I have loved the water ever since. Being in the water is so refreshing for my mind and body. It washes away all the stress.

It is such a great feeling to be floating on the water and feeling almost weightless! Being in the water lowers any stress and anxiety. And there is nothing better than jumping into the refreshing, cold water on a hot summer's day.

I come from a sporty family. My father was a former Qatari football player. He is one of the founders of Al Sadd Sports Club and also played for the national team. He was known to be the best goalkeeper in the region, and I am truly proud to call him my father.

During school, my parents signed me up for after-school activities, they wanted me to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I tried many sports, including basketball, ballet, netball, and swimming. Swimming appealed to me the most and I thought “that’s the one!”

I started training at a small swimming club called Tidal Waves at the age of 9, with a lovely Scottish coach who still has a very special place in my heart. She also was one of the main people that helped me discover and recognize my talent in the water.

She used to always say, “be the best you can be” and that has been my motto ever since.

I used to train there five or six days a week. Every moment was precious at Tidal Waves. My teammates and I were basically one big family. It was such a positive environment. My love for this sport is because of Tidal Waves.

I learned about team spirit and good sportsmanship whilst training and competing together as a team. Those days were truly special and looking back at those precious memories brings a smile to my face.

The journey is often more important than the result. No matter how hard the training was, it was okay because we were in it together as a team. The fun part was challenging each other.

Back in 2008, I remember watching the Beijing Olympics with my family and of course, we were watching the swimming events. My eyes were glued to the screen watching the world-class athletes compete against each other. I remember sharing with my family my hopes and dreams - to represent my country Qatar and compete at the Olympics one day!

In 2011, my dad received a call saying that they wanted me to start training with the Qatar national team. I couldn’t believe it! I was so excited and nervous at the same time.

That was when my journey with the national team started. I was excited to start a new chapter in swimming, but I was also sad because I was leaving Tidal Waves and my coach.

My coach even came with me for support on my first day of training with the National Team. I was anxious because I did not know what to expect.

My first dive into the 50m pool for training was a bit overwhelming because I was used to training in 25m pools. However, the team was very welcoming and before I knew it, I was training for the 2011 Pan Arab Games in Doha.

A few months later, my dream came true, and my dad told me that I was going to participate in my first Olympics in London. That moment felt so surreal.

Whether it was taking my first steps into the stadium for the Opening Ceremony, with my home flag held up high, or in my starting position behind the blocks ready to dive into my race with pride - what a feeling to be at the Olympics!

To hold the national flag was an absolute dream come true. I was so excited, honored, and proud. From that moment it clicked that I was representing a whole nation and inspiring future generations. It was a magical, special, and unforgettable experience.

I took in every moment.

I could see and hear the crowds and the countries' national teams cheering. It was such a special experience, so emotional and uplifting.

You know there is something precious ahead of you and that the moment is right around the corner. It was a proud moment for my family too, who have supported me throughout my career. It was so lovely sharing it with them.

For the FIFA World Cup 2022, I really think the journey leading up to the tournament is most important. It is great to see how it is inspiring the youth to play sports and stay active. I am excited to be part of this journey and cannot wait for the FIFA World Cup to come to Doha.

Once people come and see who we are, the atmosphere, the organization, the connections being built between individuals, our beautiful culture, the stereotypes shall no longer exist.

I have always enjoyed meeting athletes from all over the world, sharing experiences and building connections. This is also what the FIFA World Cup in Qatar is all about. I cannot wait for this to happen very soon in my home country.

I am also an educator and young leader.

In 2018, I was nominated to represent Qatar as the IOC Young Leader for the Qatar Delegation Team going to the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires. My role for the Games was to support the athletes that competed and educate them on anti-doping, media, and Safe Sport.

In 2020 I organized and delivered the first Athlete365 Career+ Outreach Workshop for Qatari athletes in Doha. It is a program that empowers athletes at all stages of their career, helping them discover their potential and think about what they want to do when they retire from their sport or even have dual careers.

I am motivated by my love for learning and succeeding as I strive to become an outstanding and successful woman in today’s society.

Swimming has also taught me to set goals and do everything in my power to get myself there. I encourage people to fight for what they desire and believe in. That is how I got to where I am today.

I want to make a difference and be an inspiration for young girls and women wanting to follow their dreams, especially for those who do not know how or where to start - or who are scared to take risks. 

To overcome these challenges, we need to guide them through and figure out their passions and interests. It is wonderful seeing women support each other and inspire change.

My goal is to inspire women to follow their passion, take risks, and never give up.