Citi World Series: Cairo ready to host Paralympians in grand finale
For the second consecutive year, the Para Swimming calendar wraps up in Africa with the World Series in Egypt, that is set to be competed by 85 athletes from 18 different countries from 6 - 8 December 05 Dec 2024
The Citi Para Swimming World Series lands in Cairo, Egypt for its ninth and last meet of the year, with 85 athletes from 18 countries set to compete in multi-class events from Friday to Sunday (6 - 8 December).
All the action will be held in the New Capital Sports Complex swimming pool and will be live streamed on Egyptian Paralympic Committee Facebook page.
Paris’ lessons
Malak Abdelshafi, who will be leading the 33-strong home squad, became one of the most experienced Egyptian swimmers after competing at the Paralympic Games for the second time in Paris this summer.
Though the journey didn’t go as planned, Albdelshafi brings to her third Paralympic cycle valuable lessons.
“I had put in all the effort I could to be 100% prepared, but I didn’t achieve a good timing in my race. However, through the journey, you gain more than just medals or a good position,” said the 21-year-old.
“You experience proud moments with your family and friends, and you cherish the joyful memories from the hard training and competitions.”
🌍✨ The stage is set for the grand finale!
— Para Swimming (@Para_swimming) December 3, 2024
The 9th and final @Citi Para Swimming World Series of 2024 is heading to the historic city of Cairo, Egypt. 🏊♀️🌊
📊 Check out the general information of #Egypt2024👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/TA4c8dATBR
LA 2028 goals
Egypt 2024 is the very first step of a new journey. Less than four years to go until Los Angeles 2028, the goals are already established.
“I plan to train harder than ever and embrace every new method or lesson to continuously improve. My goal is to push my limits and strive to achieve what once seemed impossible.
“We've just returned from our recovery period following the Paris Paralympics, but I'm hopeful that everything goes well and that I can achieve strong results.”
The Egyptian capital Cairo became the first African city to host the Citi Para Swimming World Series in 2023 and once again wraps up the season in 2024.
“Hosting an international-level competition in Egypt is always incredibly valuable. It allows us to compete within our own environment, surrounded by our support system, including family and friends. I also deeply enjoy welcoming new guests to Egypt, as they always become
part of our extended family,” said the Egyptian swimmer.
Abdelshafi (S5) will be diving into the pool for four events, the women’s 50m freestyle, backstroke, and butterfly, in addition to 100m breaststroke.
From Paris to Cairo
Zeyad Kahil, 24, is another name from the home squad who also represented Egypt in Paris 2024, making it to two finals – in the men’s 200m freestyle S5 and 100m breaststroke SB4. At home, Kahil (S5) will be competing in both the events.
Meanwhile, silver medallist at this year’s Games, Kazakhstan’s Nurdaulet Zhumagalli (S12/SB12) will be seen in action in the men’s 50m freestyle and 100m breaststroke events.