This episode of The Mettleset Podcast, brought to you by the support of New Balance 👟, shines a light on one of their own: Nourelhoda Arafa, Egyptian national rower Egyptian national rower, record holder, and a beacon of resilience on the road to LA 2028.
Nourelhoda’s journey is a powerful testament to unyielding dedication. She first picked up an oar at age 13, setting her sights on the Olympics by 15. Then, for a grueling seven years, her dreams hit a dead end; no access to boats or water. Most would have quit. Nourelhoda didn’t.
Alongside her coach Moatz, she committed to training indoors, relentlessly building strength, discipline, and unwavering belief. That indoor grind paid off spectacularly: she secured Egypt’s first-ever World Indoor Rowing gold medal in 2020, followed by multiple world-stage medals.
Now, she’s back on the water and focused entirely on the LA 2028 Olympics.
In this compelling episode, Nourelhoda opens up about the tough lessons learned along the way:
- Managing brutal setbacks.
- The challenge of rebuilding after illness.
- Learning to truly listen to her body.
- What it means to embody her name, Nourelhoda, which translates to “a guiding light.”
Her story is proof that when you “Work Hard Luck Will Chase You.” Tune in to hear how this Egyptian record-holder turned an impossible situation into a golden opportunity.
🎧 Listen to the episode now
📷 Follow Nourelhoda on Instagram : @nourelhoda.arafa
👟 This episode of The Mettleset Podcast is supported by New Balance.
