Emirati in the Spotlight: Omar Ibrahim Belselah

With fencing in his genes, 17-year-old Emirati Omar Ibrahim Belselah’s father Ibrahim Belselah was a member of the UAE Fencing Federation when it was first established. His mother Hala Belselah was the first UAE Epee Champion, a title she held on multiple occasions as well as the first UAE female fencing athlete to represent the country and deliver medals in regional events. His older brother Khalid Belselah is also an elite Epee fencing athlete who has been UAE FIE Ranked NO1 in both U17 & U20 age categories multiple times and has been representing the UAE in regional and international events since 2014, including four World Championships. Omar Belselah one days aspires to showcase the UAE national homegrown youth potential. HEALTH magazine met with Belselah to learn more about his passion for fencing and his future plans.

Background

It has been quite a journey since 2011 when at the age of seven, Belselah first stepped onto a fencing piste. A journey with many ups and downs, countless hours dedicated to this sport including full days taken up on weekends for events and camps and family holiday travel plans being chosen specifically to accommodate regional as well as international events and camps.

Many sacrifices were made as fencing always had be placed first, above many of the social activities that children would normally be doing, including juggling, and maintaining a very demanding and rigorous academic curriculum at Dubai College.

Q. What was the reason you joined fencing and how long did it take for you to reach the level you are at right now?

As my mother was a UAE national champion in fencing, from a young age, I had always looked up to the sport and this sparked my interest in fencing. At age seven, I had first

stepped into the fencing hall, and have been dedicated to the sport for 11 years which has resulted in my current achievements and level in the sport.

Q. What is your training routine?

My routine consists of training five times a week, three hours a day. A normal training session usually begins with fencing based drills and exercises, in order to improve my accuracy, speed, and reaction times. This is then followed with specific one on one training with my coach and sparring with my teammates. Every session ends with a cool down and specific stretching for recovery purposes.

Q. What is the most challenging part of fencing?

Balancing my dedication to the sport and other important aspects of my life such as my education has been the most challenging part of fencing. This is due to both aspects requiring large amounts of time dedicated to it, therefore resulting in the need to be organized and plan ahead in order to keep a healthy balance.

Q. You have been nominated to represent the UAE at the Summer Olympics 2024 in Paris. How do you feel about being the youngest representing the UAE at The Olympics?

Having represented my country in numerous international stages such as the World and Asian Championships, followed by Arab and GCC cups, being nominated as the youngest player on the UAE fencing Olympic team is a great honor and I look forward to making my country proud.

Q. How strenuous is fencing and what are your key fitness activities that align with your sport?

Being a one on one sport, fencing requires good cardio and stamina, focus, strength and fast reaction times. As a result, key fitness activities I take part in consist of agility training, fencing specific fitness exercises (such as target practice and footwork) and weight training for strength.

Q. Do you follow a specific diet?

I have not followed any specific diets or meal plans, however, my diet has always been healthy, made up of the balanced foods, including protein, carbohydrates, and necessary fats required in order to maintain my physicality. I avoid processed foods and drinks to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Q. What is the key driver behind your grit and determination?

Dedication and hours spent towards any sport will lead to results and the ability to get to the professional level. Fencing alongside my older brother has always driven my motivation, as a competitive atmosphere has always been held between us during training. In addition to this, having been the youngest member on the national team for several years, I have always trained with athletes older and generally more physically developed than me. This has led to an increased mental drive to perform above others. Another one of my great aspirations to be a highly competitive athlete comes from our leader High Highness Sheikh Mohamed and his encouragement and support of athletes.

Q. Who do you credit for being your most staunch supporter?

My direct family including my parents and older brother have consistently been my most staunch supporters as they are always present during my competitions and are always offering advice. Also, my fencing coach has been with me since day one, always ready to provide me with support when I require it.H

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