Qatar’s sole diver at the World Aquatics Masters Championships is lighting up the competition pool in Doha, winning gold in each of his three individual diving events.
Coming out of retirement to take part in his first World Aquatics Masters Championships, Qatar’s Mohammed Shewaiter is putting on a diving spectacle in his nation’s capital, claiming the 1m springboard, 3m springboard and platform gold medals in the men’s 30-34 age group.
Shewaiter was all smiles when World Aquatics caught up with him prior to the first day of competition, with the 32 year-old’s main goal at his home masters to get back up on the boards after being hampered by injuries.
“I have been diving since I was eight years old, and now because I had two injuries, I had to stop diving for four years”, Shewaiter told World Aquatics.
But now I am excited to compete with masters, to enjoy the competition, and to participate.
“I am very excited because I am the only one from Qatar that is here diving and I hope I see many of my old friends jump again.” Shewaiter’s last competition was the 2019 Asian Diving Cup where he won bronze in the synchronised event, one of many international appearances for the Qatari that date back to the World Aquatics Diving World Cup event in Spain in 2006.
“I have been to the Asian Games, Army Games, and took third in my last competition,” said Shewaiter.
“Maybe I can take first in this competition!”
Outside of the pool the now-veteran is passing on his knowledge by working as a diving coach in Doha alongside experts from Eastern Europe as he aims to help shape the next generation of Qatari divers.
“Here in Doha we now have better facilities, better coaches, and we are heading in the right direction to improve diving in Qatar”, said Shewaiter.
“Some are still far away from competing at the World Aquatics Masters Championships, but we hope to see them diving for Qatar in junior competitions very soon.”
As for his excitement getting to dive in front of his students, Shewaiter said he was proud to be Qatari and to have divers from all over the world come and visit the pool.
“It is great to see everyone come to Doha, and see Qatar, what we have, and our pool – I love this,” said Shewaiter.
“It has been many years since our last big competition and it is great to see more people coming here, more people diving, and we welcome everyone to Qatar.”