REDS Add Egyptian Sprinter To Class of '23

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS men’s swimming team is adding international Zaied Ibrahim to their recruiting class of 2023.

The 17-year-old, from Alexandria, Egypt, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2023-2024 Atlantic University Sport season.

“Zaied brings a ton of experience to our program,” said REDS head coach Marta Belsh. “He’s competed at some major international events and should add a great deal to our sprint efforts during his time here.”

Ibrahim is finishing his high school education at the Global Academy International, in Doha, Qatar.

He swims 50-metre freestyle, butterfly and backstroke events, longer sprint distances in freestyle, and individual medley and relay events.

“What appealed to me about UNB was the facilities and professors and how it’s become a top destination for Computer Science students,” said Ibrahim. “And the REDS are a great community where athletes improve by helping each other and learning from each other.”

A member of Doha’s AL Rayyan Swimming Club, he’s competed in the Qatar Swimming Cup, the Qatar Trophy and Qatar Shield events, FINA World Cup and the Elite Swimming Cup in recent years.

“He’s been tested as a swimmer in some of the meets he’s competed in, and he’s proven he can handle competition and be successful in the pool,” said Belsh.

Ibrahim says his goals include adapting to his new surroundings and learning as much as he can from the REDS coaching staff. Longer-term, he wants to become a regular contributor to UNB success in the pool.

Ibrahim will study Computer Science while attending UNB.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

PHOTO: Submitted