Samaa Ahmed has come a long way since she was first invited for a development camp run by the International Canoe Federation in 2017.
At that point, Ahmed was a teenager with a passion for kayaking and a big aspiration to represent Egypt on the Olympic stage.
Fast forward eight years, Ahmed is living her dream, having competed at back-to-back Olympic Games, and is now striving to create even more history for her nation.
The 26-year-old insists that her achievements would not have been possible without the ICF’s Talent Identification Programme.
“The ICF has played a key role in my journey,” said Ahmed.
“Without those camps and their support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
“The camp in 2017 was a turning point.
“The exposure to high-level coaching, international athletes, and structured training helped me understand what it takes to compete at the top level.”
Ahmed was born and brought up in Egyptian capital Cairo where she began learning how to paddle at the age of 12.
She has also competed nationally in swimming but it was Canoe Sprint which captured her interest as she trained on the Nile.
“It began as a fun summer activity, but I quickly fell in love with the sport—the speed, the technique, the feeling on the water,” said Ahmed.
“From there, it turned into a passion and then into my career.
“The Nile has a current so it’s not the perfect condition to record a time or do some paddling in flatwater but that’s what we have so we keep going on it.”
Competing in the women’s kayak single 500m, Ahmed made her Olympic debut at the delayed 2021 Games in Tokyo.
Her heat included six-time Olympic champion Danuta Kozak of Hungary as well as the likes of Denmark’s Emma Aastrand Jorgensen and Australia’s Alyssa Bull.
Last year saw Ahmed make her second successive Olympic appearance, featuring again in heats and quarter-finals of the women’s K1 500m.
“Paris 2024 was very special to me,” said Ahmed.
“Compared to Tokyo, where everything felt new and overwhelming, I was more experienced and able to really soak in the atmosphere in Paris.
“I felt more confident, and although both events were unforgettable, Paris had a stronger emotional impact because of how far I had come.”
Wearing Egyptian colours on the biggest stage in sport means everything to Ahmed.
She insists that it is not only an honour but also a responsibility as she aims to inspire more youngsters to paddle in Egypt.
“I know that every time I step on the start line, I’m not just racing for myself, but for every young Egyptian athlete with a dream,” said Ahmed.
“The sport has grown significantly in my country.
“When I started, canoeing and kayaking were still relatively unknown sports in Egypt.
“But now, thanks to increased support, more local competitions, and better awareness, we're seeing real progress and a new generation of talented paddlers emerging.”
As well as competing at the Olympic Games, Ahmed featured at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Cups in Szeged and Poznan.
After a busy year of racing, Ahmed has opted not to compete internationally in 2025 but is determined to secure a place at Los Angeles 2028.
“Last season was a transitional phase for me,” said Ahmed.
“After competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics, I decided to take a break from international competition to focus on recovery and rebuilding my endurance.
“It was a chance to reflect, train smarter, and prepare for the long-term goal of Los Angeles 2028.
“While I’m not competing internationally yet, I’m using this time to prepare for the long term.
“To perform to the best of me.
“I’m incredibly motivated.
“LA28 is my main goal now.
“I want to arrive there stronger, more experienced, and ready to perform at my absolute best.
“It’s a fresh start and a chance to make history not just for myself, but for Egyptian canoeing.”
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