FENCING – FROM the pool to the piste, Bahraini Olympian and former Arab champion swimmer Omar Yusuf Almalki is aiming to raise the kingdom’s flag high in a completely different way.
Almalki’s world was once measured in split seconds and the crash of water. He stood proudly beneath the bright lights at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and heard Bahrain’s name echo through the aquatics arena.
Today, however, the lane lines and starting blocks are far behind him, and his life is defined by the rhythmic clash of blades, the quick lunge of a fencer’s attack, and the determined eyes of two of his four young children: 11-year-old Moody and nine-year-old Abdulla, both of whom are aspiring fencers.
Almalki left his career in swimming coaching not because the pool grew cold, but because his kids’ Olympic dreams burn hotter.
Moody, a foil specialist, and Abdulla, an epee fencer, are not following in their father’s wake – they are carving their own path in the demanding world of fencing, and their father has vowed to walk every step beside them.
“I have felt the weight of an entire nation’s hope – I want Moody and Abdulla to know that feeling,” Almalki told the GDN. “To hear the anthem play for them, to stand at the top.”
It is a journey of transformation – from the fluid grace of the pool to the sharp precision of the piste. Almalki has poured his vast experience and discipline into fencing, designing training that pushes not just the body, but also the mind.
With Moody and Abdulla now more than a year in this exciting sport, Almalki has taken on the task of being their fitness coach. His sessions blend the conditioning of a swimmer with the explosive agility of a fencer, forging in his children the strength he knows they will need.
This is no ordinary coaching, as it is also a father’s mission, carved in sweat and sacrifice, driven by the vision of two young Bahrainis stepping into the Olympic spotlight – not in the water, but with sabre in hand.
“As an Olympian, I once carried Bahrain’s flag on the world stage, and now I feel even prouder watching my children strive to do the same,” said 37-year-old Almalki, who is also the father of Dhuwa, six, and Dhay, who is nearly two.
Moody and Abdulla are set to take another major step in their fencing careers when they compete for Bahrain in the West Asia Fencing Championship 2025, to be hosted by the kingdom from August 30 to September 4.
“Coaching Moody and Abdulla in fitness has been about more than sport – it’s about teaching them discipline, confidence, and national pride,” Almalki explained.
“The West Asia championship is an opportunity for them to represent Bahrain with heart, and I know they’re ready to give everything.”
The fast-approaching competition will mark the second time Moody and Abdulla will be part of Bahrain’s national team, having also competed for the kingdom in the Arab championship earlier this year, says Almalki.
This regional event will be another challenging test of their skill, resilience, and heart.
“I’m so excited to compete and to represent Bahrain,” Moody told the GDN.
“Training with my dad makes me feel strong, and I want to make my country proud.
“I dream of going even further one day, but right now I can’t wait for this championship!”
Abdulla shares his sister’s sentiments. “I’m happy I can compete again for Bahrain,” he said.
“I want to show how hard I’ve worked with my dad and my sister. I feel proud to wear Bahrain’s name and I am ready to give my best at the West Asia championship.”
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