Eyad, Alaa and Matin share their inspirational stories at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m)
The World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) in Budapest have welcomed elite athletes from around the world, including a remarkable group of swimmers representing the World Aquatics Refugee Team. For these athletes, their journey to the world stage has been one of more than just their love for swimming, but one of perseverance and hope.
World Aquatics caught up with the team during the competition to hear their reflections on their journeys and what it means to represent refugees on the global stage.
Eyad Masoud
For Eyad Masoud, swimming has been a constant in a life of change. Originally from Syria, he now lives in New Zealand, where he is pursuing his dream of one day competing in the Olympic Games. Reflecting on his journey, Eyad shared:
“Swimming has been my anchor through so many transitions—moving to New Zealand, adjusting to a new culture, and embracing a new environment. I used to live in Saudi Arabia too and my coach there was from New Zealand. He became like family to me, helping me with my move to the country and giving me the support I needed to keep going.”
Now competing at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) in the men’s 50m and 100m Butterfly, Eyad is proud to represent refugees:
“It’s an honour to compete on the world stage and to send a message to refugees everywhere: if you have a dream, keep working towards it. It’s also not just about refugees, but about anyone facing challenges.”
Eyad expressed gratitude to those supporting the World Aquatics Refugee Team;
“The support from World Aquatics has been invaluable—always there to listen without judgement, whether it’s about performance or personal challenges. They have helped us grow not just as swimmers, but as human beings.”
Alaa Maso
Two-time Olympian from Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, Alaa Maso credits his love for swimming to his family. His father, his first coach, instilled a passion for the sport early on.
“Every stroke connects me to my family, even when we’re far apart. Since 2018, I’ve grown both physically and mentally in the sport. Representing refugees on the world stage means showing others what’s possible, even when life feels like it starts at –1,” he said.
Alaa offered an encouraging message to others who may be navigating new beginnings:
“Many people lose belief in themselves after moving to a new country. You have so many things to be thinking about, whether that be settling in or adjusting to a new lifestyle, your hobby isn’t necessarily the first thing on your mind. But I want to show that you can achieve so much, even while navigating immense challenges."
For me, it’s always meaningful to hear that my story in swimming inspires others, that too keeps me going.”
Alaa has competed in the men’s 50m and 100m Freestyle during the competition in Budapest.
Matin Balsini
For Matin Balsini, swimming has been a lifelong passion. Introduced to the sport by his parents at the age of eight, he became a professional swimmer at 15. However, after moving from Iran and seeking asylum in the UK, Matin faced a challenging period when he couldn’t swim for a year.
“That was one of the hardest times of my life,” Matin recalled.
“Swimming is one of the most important things to me, and being here in Budapest, competing with the best in the world, is an incredible opportunity.”
Matin also spoke of his hopes to change perceptions:
“There is often a perception back at home and the surrounding regions that we can’t win medals in swimming, that it’s not for us. But I want to prove them wrong. My dream is to make the Olympic final in the 200m Butterfly and feel the pride of achieving what so many thought was impossible. I want to feel that feeling.”
In Budapest, Matin has competed in the men’s 200m Medley securing a time of 2:03:02.
The World Aquatics Refugee Team athletes share a common mission: to inspire others and show that dreams are achievable, no matter the starting point. They embody the universal power of sport and World Aquatics is proud to support them on their journey.