Husein Alireza is the Captain of the Saudi rowing team and was the Saudi flag bearer at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He discovered his exceptional rowing capabilities at college in the UK, leading him to dedicate three years of his life to intense Olympic training with his coach, Bill Barry. In the midst of training, Husein’s mother was tragically diagnosed and passed away from blood cancer, shifting his perspective on happiness and reason to keep training. Frustratingly, he suffered a lung injury, had surgery, and contracted COVID. Against all odds, he made it to Tokyo for the race and was selected to carry the Saudi flag at the opening ceremony. Husein talks about the importance of family, what it took to become an Olympian, the importance of family and his keen interest in astronomy.
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