Flame Bearers: Pathways to Paris

At the age of 5, Farida dreamt of becoming a professional swimmer. Flash forward to 2011 and Farida was crowned World Junior Champion in the 50M butterfly in Lima, Peru, placing Egypt for the first time in history among the medaling countries. And from there, the accolades kept coming: -3X African Female Swimmer of the Year (2013, 2015 and 2017) -6X Arab Female Athlete of the Year (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017) -3x Olympian -3x World Bronze Medalist That said, throughout it all, Farida was motivated by her desire to "be different." She wanted to challenge what was considered possible. She shares, "what motivates me and keeps me going is being the first Egyptian to do different things." And for younger Farida, there were no professional Egyptian swimmers before her, no sponsors or endorsements, so she built the infrastructure from the ground up while also setting records in the pool. That is why as Farida looks to the future, she wants to support other swimmers so they can have the support she didn't have earlier in her career. In today's interview we spotlight the trail Farida has blazed, her love of fashion (she's a self described "Princess at Heart") and hopes for women's sports moving forward. Episodes drop every Wednesday at 5am Eastern Standard Time through the Paralympics with an additional episode every Monday through the Olympics. ---- Photo Credit: FaridaOsman.com ---- Flame Bearers is the world's first media and production company specifically illuminating the unsung stories of resilient women Olympians & Paralympians. We tell stories via podcast, video, and live events and are working towards a world where people feel more represented, empowered, and enlightened about the power of community. Learn more on our website: flamebearers.com Watch & subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch a video version of this episode ► / @flamebearers Follow us on social media for exclusive behind the scenes content: Instagram: /flamebearers Facebook: /flamebearerspodcast Linkedin: /flame-bearers Tiktok: /flame_bearers X: /flame_bearers