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SAILING ace Sami Al Kooheji intends on making a splash in the 2010 Asian Games.
He is now in full training and receiving sporting assistance and backing from new sponsors Air Arabia, BMI Bank and Audi Bahrain to help him realise his dreams.
In return, he aims to help inspire the next generation of water sport-loving Bahrainis to set sail for competition success.
RECORD-MAKER Sami Al Kooheji is back behind the sails in a bid to make it to the 2010 Asian Games to be held in China from November 12-27 ... and ultimately bring glory to the kingdom.
With the backing of Air Arabia, BMI Bank and Audi Bahrain, the 25-year old Bahraini airline pilot hopes his battle with the waves will inspire a generation of young sailors to take up the sport.
He said: "I am working on the project with Team Pindar's Sail Bahrain to promote Bahrain as a world tourist sailing destination and also to get young Bahrainis in the country to become more involved in sailing.
"I am nervous but also really, really excited about the challenges ahead. In order to do well, you need to have to have a goal ... and that is to win a medal."
Team Pindar, one of the world's leading independent sailing teams which has flown the colours of the Kingdom of Bahrain in competition, alongside shipping cargo giant GAC and the Bahrain Maritime Sports Association are partnering Sami's 10-month Asian Games quest. The inspirational sailor has also attracted his employers Air Arabia, BMI Bank and Audi Bahrain to come on board as sponsors to fund his campaign.
The First Officer has started a vigourous training regime in recent weeks after a long break from the international racing scene.
In 2007, Sami's sailing prowess took centre stage when he created a new world sailing record and became the first person to sail from Bahrain to Dubai non-stop in a dinghy in just over 64 hours.
He also received a performance certificate from the World Sailing Speed Record Council for sailing around Bahrain in 2004 in just over 27 hours non-stop.
Sami's childhood dream came true at the age of 20 competing in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. "Competing in the Olympics was the best achievement ever. At a young age it can be tough and at times it was hard to stay focused on my training programme not knowing if I would achieve my goal of qualifying for the event.
"I feel now I have matured, become more confident and with the backing of Team Pindar and Sail Bahrain I will be able to push my personal boundaries to new limits on the water.
"I have taken a lot of time out due to my flight training and to be honest, I never thought I would get back to sailing again on the circuit," he explained. "But, I am passionate about sailing and have been since I started at the age of four. Only now I am more focused and determined than ever before.
"If I do well in China, carry it on to the Pan Arab Games in Doha next year then I will continue to the next Olympics in London in 2012. To be realistic in your goals you can't start to run before you learn to walk ... again!
"I want to prove that I can maintain a full time job as a pilot and sail. It is going to be a challenge as the majority of the sailors on the circuit sail full time.
"My partners are helping me, I have got great sponsors who are enthusiastic and so I can focus purely on my sailing training."
Sami, whose parents live in Bahrain, recently settled in Dubai with his bride, Carrie, and has started training under the guidance of specialist fitness instructor Kim Hewitt.
Sami will be competing in a series of events in the Middle East, Europe and Asia prior to the Asian Games including the Sail the Gulf in Doha from this coming Tuesday to February 20, ESS Regatta in Dubai in March, the Laser League Race in Dubai, Bahrain Boat Show, Emirates Regatta in Abu Dhabi in April, Europa International Cup in Italy, Laser League Race in Dubai, Welsh National Championships in the UK in May, Scottish National Championships in Scotland, Stokes Bay Club Championships in the UK in July, UK National Championships and the Laser World Championships in the UK in August as well as the Laser League Race in Dubai and Sail Bahrain training camp 1 and 2 in October.
Sami will also be acting as a goodwill ambassador for Bahrain's breast cancer awareness charity, Think Pink. He said: "My mission will be to promote breast cancer awareness and raise funds for the charity throughout my campaign with the help of Carrie.
"I am nervous but also really, really excited about the challenges ahead. In order to do well, you need to have to have a goal and that is to win a medal."
Sami's Team
Harry Apiafi, personal manager:
I got to know Sami a few years ago just prior to his successful world record attempt and helped him in the latter stages with the event planning.
Since then we have jointly pursued the aim of increasing the awareness of young Bahrainis in the country's maritime heritage by bringing world class sailing events and personalities to the kingdom.
In this relationship Sami provides the knowledge of competitive sailing and infectious enthusiasm whilst I offer management experience and administrative support.
Sami is the best known Arabic sailor and his return to competitive sailing will encourage young Bahraini's to aspire to achieving similar success both in the air and on the water.
Kacem Ben Jemia, sailing coach:
First of all, I am really happy that Sami come back after nearly two years because he is still the best Arab sailor and one of the best Asian sailors till now, even without training. I think Sami will be better than before and specially after his Olympic Games experience in Athens in 2004 for many reasons. When Sami decides to focus on sailing he becomes very serious and tries to be 100 per cent ready.
When I first began coaching Sami, he was always busy with many things like university, friends, family, partying ... but now with his job and him being married, he has become stable, responsible and serious.
He is very well supported by his family, especially from his mother, Anne. I think Sami has the opportunity to win a medal in the Asian Games 2010. We have drawn a good programme to prepare for the it with a list of major events which will help boost his morale.
Carrie Kooheji, wife:
Sami and I got married in May last year. I enjoy watching Sami sail, it can get very competitive but that's the fun part. Sometimes they can be out on the water for quite a few hours especially if there is no wind and that is the 'not-so-much-fun' part.
I know that Sami is very dedicated to his level of fitness and performance for the Games. Sami will get up hours before his first flight of the day, just so he can squeeze in an hour of training.
I realise that Sami's free time will be used up mostly on training and regattas, however I know how much it means to him and what an achievement it will be. It is a sacrifice we both have to make. His ambitious and goal-driven personality is a major part of what makes up Sami so I couldn't separate them from him.
Nick Crabtree, director, Sail Bahrain and Team Pindar:_
Sail Bahrain's objective is to focus on Bahrainis to get back to the ocean and promoting maritime sports in the kingdom. We are hoping to open a water sports academy to teach sailing as well as get people to be more familiarised with water safety and also be able to get professional qualifications.
We support Sami, who is part of our team and hope that through his involvement, we can encourage more Bahrainis to get into the sport and be able to promote Bahrain within the Gulf and around the world.
Kim Hewitt, personal trainer:
Sami is currently strength training a minimum of twice a week with me. This includes improving his core strength which involves strengthening the abdominal and low back areas.
Other components include flexibility and balance and depending on the weather laser sailing can be very strenuous so aerobic endurance and long-term muscular endurance have to be developed, paying particular attention to the hip flexors and rotator cuff area of the shoulder. Having worked with Sami on and off for eight years, his maturity and dedication to his sport is obvious to all who know him. He approaches his training with 100 per cent effort and is a pleasure to work with. We are aiming high this year and fully intend to be in possession of a medal at the end of the Games.
