Saifeldin ELGARWA: “It is important not to give up and always go towards your goal”

Egyptian athlete Saifeldin Elgarwa won a gold medal in the up to 71 kg weight category in Сombat SAMBO at the African Championships, held in early June in Cairo (Egypt). In an interview for the FIAS website, he spoke about the path he took towards his dream, the secret of success and new sporting goals.

What does this medal mean to you?

– This gold medal is very dear to me. But the victory is also important because it can help me qualify for the World Games in China in 2025.

What is the secret of success?

– It is in hard training and an inexhaustible desire to win. This is already the third African Championship for me, and finally I managed to achieve success. Therefore, I can say that it is important not only to train a lot, but also not to give up and always go towards your goal.

You performed at home in Egypt. How much did your family and the support of the audience help you to win?

– Of course, houses and walls help. I felt this support all the time, and it really helped me a lot.

When you stood on the podium, the anthem of your country sounded. What does this mean for you?

– This is a very strong feeling that is difficult to convey in words. Before that, like any professional athlete, I had a long and very difficult path to the gold medal, there were injuries, failures, but, fortunately, it was not in vain, because all the efforts invested were justified.

You have become the champion of Africa. What's next?

– Now I have two main goals: the first is participation in the World Games in 2025, the second is the World Championships in Kazakhstan. I will be actively preparing.

[VIDEO] Saifeldin ELGARWA (EGY) vs Radich LOUBAKI (CGO) at the African Sambo Championships 2024