After a challenging match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday, Hesham Elshwikh reflected on the team’s performance at Paris 2024North Paris Arena . Despite Egypt’s 3-1 loss, Elshwikh found positives in their performance.
“I’m happy with our effort,” he remarked, appreciating the fight they displayed against a strong opponent. Yet, he made it clear that his focus is on the future. “I’m determined to improve,” he said, showing his commitment to pushing the team forward.
At nearly 50 years old, competing in his seventh Paralympic Games, Elshwikh remains driven, ready to lead his team with the same passion that has defined his long career.
Elshwikh’s determination was evident as he discussed the challenges the team faced leading up to the Paris Paralympics. Egypt, once a powerhouse in sitting volleyball, had last won a medal at the Rio 2016 Games. However, the preparation for Paris 2024 had been different, and Elshwikh did not shy away from addressing the obstacles.
“In Rio, and before that, our training was very good. Nine months before Rio, we were training towards the Games. This time, it’s only been two months – one month very good, and one month only weekends,” he explained, highlighting the reduced preparation time.
Despite these setbacks, Elshwikh’s belief in his team has not wavered and remains hopeful about their chances as the tournament progresses. “I’ll do my best for my team, and I hope that we can win our next matches and go to the medal matches. I think we can do that,” he said with quiet confidence.
Competing in his seventh Paralympic Games is a remarkable achievement, one that Elshwikh acknowledges with a mix of pride and humility. “It’s incredible. It’s perfect for me because I am old, nearly 50,” he said, smiling.
H has maintained his place among the world’s elite athletes for so long. However, there’s also an awareness that this could be his last Paralympic appearance. “I’m happy because I have played at seven Paralympic Games, and I don’t know if I can go to the next one.”
Photo: WPV/Sinisa Kanizaj.
