Firas Al Hmoud - Jordan’s iron man

You would have thought that being a swimmer was tough enough, but Jordan’s very own iron man, Firas Al Hmoud, is making a name for himself in the world of triathlon and has an Olympic dream.

Name :	Firas Hussein Helal Al Hmoud
Age :	19
Sport :	Triathlon
Career :	University Student
Place of Residence:	Irbid

1. How did you get into your sport?

I used to swim at Al Hassan Club for Youth but I soon fell in love with Triathlon. Coaches advised me to try it because they felt I was up for the challenge. I won the first race I participated in which qualified me for the National Team in 2010.

2. What have been your main achievements?

At the Muscat Asian Beach Games last year I set a new Jordanian record and which moved me up to 17th in Asia on the rankings.

3. How do you think your sport can be improved?

This is a new sport to Jordan so people are still learning about it. Hopefully we can secure more funding to compete in more international events to gain experience and also purchase better equipment to use.

4. How do you see the future in your sport?

I would love to compete for the gold medal at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016. When I finish competing I would like to be a part of the triathlon committee to help develop the sport.

5. How do you spend your time away from sport?

I spend a lot of time visiting Jordan’s historical places because it gives me the feeling of pride and encourages me to do my best for my country.

6. What are your main hobbies / interests?

Climbing and Skiing. I like Wadi Al Mujib for Climbing and I have been to Russia many times to ski.

7. What ‘saying’ do you believe in...

“There is no limit for anything. The More you dream, The Further you go”

8. Who do you consider as your idol?

Attila the Hun who was one of the greatest kings that established his own emperor in Russia and Europe (Hungary nowadays). He wrote his name in history.

9. Who are your local and international athletes?

Locally, my national Coach Emad Al Satari. He is one of the coaches who played a significant role in my career. On the international level I admire the American cyclist Lance Armstrong who beat cancer and after four years returned to win the Tour de France.

10. Which player would you like to compete with?

The Spanish Champion Javier Gómez Noya who won the ITU Triathlon World Championships in Vancouver 2008. This man is very strong and talented.

11. If you could roll back time, would you choose Triathlon or another sport?

To be honest I really would have liked to be a Cyclist. I love the sport and after watching it I really wish that time could roll back so I would chose cycling instead of swimming.

12. What kind of Music do you like and what is your favourite film?

I like rock music because its gives me strength and power. I like comedy movies and The Pick of Destiny is my favorite.

13. If you had one wish what would it be?

I wish that I can continue to improve my times to compete in the Olympic Games, Rio de Janeiro 2016.

14. What message or advice would you like to give youngsters coming into sport?

Triathlon is a very hard sport because it depends on power and endurance so you have to keep on practicing as often as you can. Also you have to love your sport in order to accomplish your dream to become a champion.

15. What is your Favorite food?

Dawali.

16. If you had five flowers, who would you give them to?

The first is for HM king Abdullah II and the Jordan people. One for my family and another one for my Triathlon Committee and coaches who support me. The fourth is to my friend and the final one to the Jordan Olympic Committee for their efforts.

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