As the outdoor temperatures soared, children eagerly leaped into the indoor pool at GEMS Wellington Academy - Al Khail, laughing as they cautiously started swimming. This marked the beginning of their two-month summer holiday fun. Meanwhile, in the adjacent pool, teens Karin Belbeisi and Christina Rach conversed quietly, their faces lit up with smiles as they playfully nudged each other before diving into the water.
In just over two weeks, Karin and Christina will join global sports stars at the Paris Games (July 26-August 11), stepping into the Olympic pool. Karin, a student at GEMS Wellington Academy - Al Khail, has secured a spot in the 400m freestyle for Jordan, her homeland. Christina, from GEMS Wellington International School, will represent Eritrea in the 50-metre freestyle event. Both 15 and 16 years old respectively, they express their excitement in an interview with City Times, recounting their journey from local pools to the global stage.
Karin recalls starting swimming at age four, initially introduced by her mother, and soon exclusively focusing on the sport. Christina, also initiated into swimming by her mother at four, later transitioned into competitive swimming through school and Hamilton Academy. Both acknowledge family sporting backgrounds influencing their paths: Karin's parents were athletes, and Christina's father was a professional ice hockey player in Finland, and her uncle a cyclist in Germany.
Christina shares her experience competing in the German nationals, a challenging event that exposed her to high-level competition. Balancing school and swimming, Karin credits her school's support, while Christina mentions her sports scholarship. Their earliest Olympic memories involve watching the games and dreaming of participating. The moment they learned of their Olympic qualification, both describe overwhelming family reactions and their own disbelief and joy.
Reflecting on their Olympic journey, Karin and Christina feel a profound sense of pride and hope to inspire young athletes in the UAE and their respective countries. They look forward to the Olympic experience, aiming to learn and share their journey to encourage others in their sporting aspirations.
