Mr. El Allam, who received the prestigious World Aquatics Gold Pin in 2013, was instrumental in advancing aquatics as a Bureau member. His contributions led to significant milestones for Morocco, such as hosting the Men's Water Polo League in Casablanca in 2008 and 2009, a first for the African continent.   

An advocate for expanding access to aquatic sports and elevating Morocco's global standing, Mr. El Allam's tenure as President of the National Federation saw the country reach new high-water marks for the country in aquatics. Morocco competed in swimming at the Olympics for the first time when Saad Khalloqi swam in the 200m IM at the Athens 2000 Games.

A champion of improving access to aquatic sports and seeing Morocco compete on the world stage, the country saw some of its best performances under Mr. El Allam's presidency of the National Aquatics Federation. This included two-time Olympian Sara El Bekri winning gold at the 2010 African Swimming Championships in Casablanca and then going on to achieve the nation's best swimming performance at the Olympics when she placed 11th in the 200m breaststroke at the London 2012 Olympic Games.   

Current Royal Moroccan Swimming Federation President Driss Hassa broke the news to the World Aquatics family today.

"It is in my name and that of the members of the Steering Committee and the entire Moroccan swimming family that we present, in this painful circumstance, and we express to all of his family and loved ones as well as to these friends, our deep condolences and our sincere feelings of compassion following this cruel loss," wrote Mr. Hassa.