How Emma Igelström is Helping to Transform Swimming in Saudi Arabia

Emma Igelström never expected to find herself in Saudi Arabia, pioneering swimming programs in a country where female competition only began three years ago. But the former world champion breaststroker and the first woman to ever break 30 seconds in the 50 SCM Breaststroke, has always been drawn to challenges.

“I went into those clubs, I saw the pool is empty. I mean, there was no people in the pool.”

Now, she’s on a mission to change that.

Follow Emma on Instagram:
instagram.com/emmaigelstrom

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Listen on Apple Podcasts:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-with-brett-hawke/id1498116036

0:00 – Introducing Emma Igelström: Swedish Olympian & World Champion
0:21 – Reflecting on the 25 years since Sydney 2000
1:38 – The rise of female role models in Swedish swimming
2:46 – Breaking barriers: Emma’s 30-second breaststroke milestone
4:00 – Why swimmers are getting faster: The shift to gym training
5:13 – Moving to Saudi Arabia: Seeing an opportunity in empty pools
8:16 – Challenges in Saudi sports: Getting women into swimming.
10:37 – Gender barriers: Female competitions & lack of women coaches
11:46 – Why change is happening now: The Crown Prince’s influence
13:32 – Sportswashing or real progress? Saudi’s investment in sports
15:38 – How Saudi women are embracing new freedoms in athletics
21:16 – Mental struggles in elite swimming & post-career challenges
22:40 – Parents pushing kids too hard in sports culture
25:36 – How Sarah Sjöström has stayed at the top for so long
27:18 – The importance of taking breaks & longevity in swimming
29:32 – Could Saudi Arabia host major swimming competitions in the future?
30:28 – Identifying young Saudi swimming talents
31:07 – The need for more elite coaching in Saudi swimming