He began his journey in javelin at the age of 17. Initially a football player, he switched to javelin after throwing it 40 meters on his first attempt. His school teacher motivated him by promising higher marks for winning a gold medal in a national competition.

Club and Coaching

He represents the Al Ahly club in Egypt. His personal coach is Petteri Piironen from Finland. His coach has been the most influential person in his career, guiding him through various challenges and successes.

Achievements and Records

One of his memorable achievements is winning a silver medal at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, China. This victory made him the first Egyptian athlete to win a medal at the world championships. In 2014, he became the first non-European winner of the men's javelin at the Continental Cup in Marrakech, Morocco.

Challenges and Injuries

Throughout his career, he faced several injuries. In 2014, he suffered an ankle injury. He competed at the 2012 Olympic Games despite an elbow injury. Early in his career, he had back problems and started daily exercises in 2011 to strengthen his back.

Influences and Idols

His idols include Norwegian javelin thrower Andreas Thorkildsen, Finnish javelin thrower Tero Pitkamaki, and German javelin thrower Matthias de Zordo. These athletes have inspired him throughout his career.

Hobbies

He enjoys supporting Spanish football team Real Madrid and Egyptian football team Al Ahly. His passion for football remains strong despite his shift to javelin.

Career Interruptions

In 2008, he earned a scholarship from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to train in Kuortane, Finland. However, due to language barriers and a back injury, he returned to Egypt after two weeks. This experience motivated him to learn English and return to Finland the following year.

In 2010, he quit training for five months due to a funding dispute with the national federation. The following year, he considered retirement after being unable to train for three months due to injury.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, he aims to continue competing at the highest level and hopes to inspire future generations of athletes in Egypt and beyond. His journey reflects resilience and determination, making him a notable figure in the world of sports.