Raja Hamid Rashid

Iraq — At a young age, swimmer Lara Ilaf Al-Omairi has emerged as one of Iraq's promising athletic talents, having achieved remarkable accomplishments locally and internationally. She has set her sights on reaching global podiums, taking confident steps in her sporting career at just sixteen years old, aiming to achieve local and international successes and raise Iraq's name in global arenas.

From academy to podiums

Regarding her beginnings, Lara Ilaf Al-Omairi says she started swimming from a very young age, specifically at nine, when her father opened a specialized swimming academy. "I had a great passion for this sport, so I joined the academy and started training from that time."

Concerning challenges, she notes that she did not face significant difficulties at the start of her journey, thanks to family support and the backing of the "Al-Jaish" Sports Club, along with encouragement from her friends and teachers at school. However, a year ago she suffered injuries that affected her training and required a period of rest and treatment, before she was able to overcome them and return to training in better shape.

On the importance of swimming for women, Lara affirmed that sports in general are essential, especially swimming, due to its physical and psychological benefits. She explained that Iraqi women bear great responsibilities, making them in need of physical activity that helps improve their health and psychological well-being. She stressed the importance of children practicing swimming for its role in developing and strengthening their bodies.

She clarified that the benefits of swimming are not limited to the physical aspect but also contribute to achieving psychological comfort and relieving life pressures. She noted that doctors often recommend it for women, men, and children due to its role in treating certain health problems, such as joint and spinal disorders and herniated discs, which are often suffered by women who bear the responsibilities of home, children, and work outside the home.

Weak support and lack of programs

Lara Ilaf Al-Omairi expressed her regret over the weak institutional support for swimming in Iraq, pointing to the absence of programs and initiatives dedicated to developing this sport, whether in Baghdad or other cities. She also explained that local championships are mostly limited to men, with few opportunities available for women. She confirmed that she has not received support from some relevant bodies, such as the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Iraqi Aquatic Sports Federation, while praising the support of the Olympic Committee.

Lara called on the relevant authorities to provide support for all sports, including swimming, by allocating financial resources, building properly equipped swimming pools, reducing entry fees to make them accessible to everyone, in addition to organizing external camps and championships, with a focus on supporting women's sports and encouraging girls to practice them.

Ambition for the world stage

Regarding her sporting career, Lara explained that she began participating in international championships in 2021, and during 2024 she achieved remarkable accomplishments, winning 21 international medals, the most recent being three gold medals in Dubai, along with a number of silver medals locally. She affirmed that "all Iraqi women's swimming records" are registered in her name.

Regarding her future ambitions, she seeks to complete her medical studies, achieve her dream of participating in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, and raise Iraq's flag high, while aspiring to become a world champion.

Lara concluded her speech by directing a message to girls and women, urging them to practice swimming due to its physical and psychological benefits, affirming that it is a sport that combines health and comfort at the same time.