A Beacon of Hope for Palestine
When determination exists, there will be no obstacles that cannot be overcome. The path may be challenging, and setbacks might arise. For young Palestinian swimmer and PAAA athlete Yazan Al Bawwab, his spirit surprised the world with the incredible capacity to succeed against all odds. His dreams transformed into realities.
Yazan’s journey began with his father Rashad Al Bawwab, a Palestinian refugee among over ten million Palestinians living in the diaspora outside Palestine. Rashad never had the chance to learn how to swim. Despite this, Rashad ensured that his children had the opportunity to learn swimming from a young age. His hopes and dreams were growing with Yazan every day.
Swimming wasn’t just a hobby for Yazan; every stroke and each lap was a testament to his persistence and growth. As he glided through the water, his mind fixated with the goals that fueled his passion: representing his homeland Palestine in international championships; demonstrating his identity; building swimming camps for underserved children in Palestine; and becoming involved with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to bring his vision of water competitions to life.
Taking these goals seriously, training tirelessly and participating in world swimming competitions, meant making sacrifices and balance training with his academic and personal life.
He has proudly represented Palestine twice in the Olympics. His first appearance was in Tokyo 2020, during which he used the platform to champion equal sport opportunities and a secure a place for Palestinians. Participating after that in the Arab Games 2023 – Algeria, he won two Golds to become the Arab champion in the 50 and 100-metre backstroke. Yazan took on a more active role in the Palestinian Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission by initiating the Palestinian Olympians Association. His dreams were just beginning as he became a young leader at the International Olympic Committee and was appointed an Ambassador for Canada by the International University Sport Federation (FISU).
His project, SwimHope Palestine, which was set to commence in 2023 to provide swimming and life-saving lessons to young children in Palestinian refugee communities, had not yet started when the conflict in Gaza erupted in October 2023.
Yazan just completed participation in his second Olympic competition in Paris 2024, finishing with his personal record time of 58.26 in the 100 m backstroke. He is definitely showcasing the incredible potential, paving the way for young Palestinian athletes to follow.
Throughout the Olympics in Paris, Yazan was dedicated to raising awareness about the suffering of the people in Gaza, highlighting the destruction of sports facilities and the loss of over 300 athletes. Additionally, many others were unable to train for the Olympics due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The PAAA is excited to witness the journey continue for this competitive Palestinian swimmer and aerospace/mechanical engineer, currently pursuing a master’s degree in international sports management, as Yazan follows his goals beyond the gold medals.
