A devastating tragedy hit Egypt’s swimming community on Wednesday, December 3, as a 12-year-old competitor died during the National Under-12 Championships held in Cairo.
The young swimmer, Youssef Mohamed, was competing in the 50 backstroke heat when he suddenly lost consciousness and sank to the bottom of the pool.
According to Ahram Online, Mohamed remained at the pool’s bottom for about three and a half minutes, even as the next race began, before another athlete noticed the incident.
He was rushed to the hospital in cardiac arrest and not breathing. Medical crews administered three electric shocks, secured an airway with intubation, connected him to mechanical ventilation, and gave emergency medications. After transfer to the intensive care unit, he suffered a further cardiac arrest, and despite multiple CPR attempts, doctors were unable to revive him.
Parents at the venue reported that lifeguards and lane timekeepers were not at their posts when the collapse occurred, and that a defibrillator was not available on site.
In response, the Ministry of Youth and Sports launched an immediate investigation and gathered testimony from Youssef’s father, another swimmer’s parent, Youssef’s coach, and more than twenty additional witnesses. The preliminary findings point to negligence by meet organizers, lifeguards, and referees as contributing factors to the fatal outcome.
Prosecutors indicated that both the Egyptian Swimming Federation and Al-Zohour Sporting Club did not comply with the Sports Law, including required safety measures for athletes and the Medical Code for Athletes established under Ministerial Decree No. 1642 of 2024, which mandates pre-competition medical evaluations.
The prosecutor has summoned the President of the Egyptian Swimming Federation, other officials, and officials from Al-Zohour Sporting Club to provide testimony as the case continues to unfold.
The ongoing investigation has drawn reactions from prominent figures in the sport. Farida Osman, Egypt’s most successful swimmer with multiple World Championship medals, shared a somber message on Instagram after learning of the incident. She expressed deep sorrow for the loss of a “promising champion” and offered condolences to Youssef’s family, while calling for patience and strength for those affected.
Osman also stressed the urgency of reform within Egyptian swimming, stating that the sport must advance, but that the death of a 12-year-old at a national championship marks a red line that cannot be crossed. She recalled seeing old footage of Youssef and his peers standing by him, underscoring how closely the swimming community feels the tragedy, and she voiced hope that justice would be served.
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- Farida Osman
