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Swimmer in profile: UAE's bright talent Yousef Khaled Al Hossany
We catch up with exciting young talent Yousef Khaled Al Hossany to find out which swimmers he looks up to and what he aspires to achieve in the sport.
Yousef Khaled Al Hossany (UAE)
Club: Al Wasl
Date of birth: March 26, 2000
Birthplace: Sharjah
City of residence: Sharjah
Coach: Sergey Burkov and Mohamed El Zanaty
Favourite stroke: Breaststroke
PB in best event: 32.92 seconds in the 50m breaststroke
School you attend: Sharjah International School
How did you initially get into swimming: Believe it or not, I started swimming by chance. I had some back problems and the doctors advised me to do some water therapy treatment and that’s how it all started.
Favourite swimmer: Like most swimmers, Michael Phelps.
Inspiration/idol: Phelps because he is an eight-time Olympic gold medallist, he’s such a remarkable swimmer and also because he faced a lot of challenges during his career but he overcame them all and became the best in the world.
Nicest venue you’ve ever swum in: Hamdan Sports Complex.
Career highlight/best achievement in the pool to date: Winning gold in the 50m breaststroke at the GCC Championships in Kuwait last month. I set a new UAE junior record there, 32.92 seconds.
Toughest meet/race you’ve ever competed in: The GCC Championships last February because I faced a big challenge from a Kuwaiti swimmer and I only took the lead in the last 5m. It was a thrilling battle between us and I won by 0.02 seconds. The Kuwaiti was leading for the first 25 metres, and I was lagging behind.
Biggest dream/goal in swimming: To be an Olympic champion.
Short-term goals: I want to be the best swimmer in the next Gulf competition in September.
Favourite meal: Spaghetti.
Favourite place to visit in the UAE: The Dubai Mall.
Least favourite part of swimming practice: Definitely kick. It’s the slowest part of training and it’s boring. I’d rather put my face in the water and swim.
Other sports or hobbies: PlayStation.
Favourite sporting moment you’ve ever watched: Michael Phelps’ races. Even the videos of his drills, and I love watching how he starts and finishes his races.
