In Episode 109 of The Mettleset Podcast – made possible with the support of New Balance, UAE swimmer Maha Alshehhi reflects on representing the country at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, her growing role in the UAE’s evolving sports ecosystem, and the dream she now shares with her sisters of returning to the Games at the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics. From the mindset that carried her through the biggest race of her life to her ambitions beyond the pool, here are five things we learned from the conversation.
1. She’s part of a family of elite swimmers.
Maha is a twin and one of three sisters who all compete for the UAE national swimming team, with the siblings training, racing and pushing each other forward throughout their careers.
2. Her Olympic place came as a surprise.
Maha originally believed her younger sister would be the swimmer representing the UAE in Paris, but after posting a personal best and earning the necessary qualification points, she unexpectedly secured the Olympic spot just six weeks before the Games.
3. She has a simple mantra for handling race nerves.
Before stepping onto the blocks, Maha repeats a phrase she and her sisters share: “Go get the milk. Come back. Then get the bread.” The mindset helps break a race into manageable laps rather than one overwhelming moment.
4. Her Olympic debut included swimming alongside the sport’s biggest names.
During warm-ups in Paris, Maha found herself sharing the pool with some of the world’s most accomplished athletes, including Olympic champion Katie Ledecky, a moment that made the scale of the Olympic stage suddenly feel very real.
5. She’s already helping shape the future of sport in the UAE.
Beyond competing, Maha is stepping into the wider sports ecosystem, speaking at gatherings like the World Sports Summit Dubai and helping unveil Dubai’s new sports sector strategy aimed at expanding participation, developing talent and creating more opportunities for young Emirati athletes.
