Making Waves in Malaysia: Seleena Haddad’s Journey Representing the UAE

Representing the UAE on the international stage is an achievement to be proud of, and for Seleena Haddad the Penang Invitational 2026 in Malaysia this past June marked an unforgettable milestone in her swimming journey.

Selected to represent ADEK and the UAE, Seleena competed alongside top swimmers from around the world, earning medals and achieving an impressive new personal best in the 200m freestyle, improving her time by more than six seconds.

Beyond the results, the experience gave Seleena the opportunity to proudly wear the UAE colors, build friendships with fellow athletes, and grow in confidence, independence, and perseverance.

We caught up with Seleena to reflect on her international experience, the moments that made her most proud, and the goals she has set for the season ahead.

How did you feel when you were selected to represent ADEK and the UAE at the Penang Invitational 2026?

When I first found out, it was an incredible feeling. No words could fully capture how I felt. I was so proud and felt that all my hard work had finally paid off!

What was it like competing against athletes from different countries?

At first, it was a little intimidating to compete against some of the top swimmers from different countries. However, everyone was incredibly kind and supportive, which helped ease the tension and made the experience even more enjoyable.

What did it mean to you to wear the UAE colors on the international stage?

I felt incredibly honored to represent the UAE, a country that has always felt like home to me. It meant so much to carry its flag and represent its values wherever I went.

What was your proudest moment during the competition?

My proudest moment was winning my first medal of the competition. It was particularly rewarding because, despite the challenges I faced before the race, I stayed focused and delivered a strong performance.

Which medal, achievement, or personal best means the most to you, and why?

Achieving a new personal best in the 200m freestyle means the most to me. I improved my time by more than six seconds, and it felt like I had finally broken through a barrier that had been holding me back for a long time.

What is one memory from Malaysia that you will never forget?

One memory I will never forget is the time I spent with my teammates after the competition. Whether we were going out for dinner, visiting tourist attractions, or simply spending time together, those moments made the experience even more special.

What did you learn from this international experience?

I learned how to become more independent, as it was my first time traveling without my family. I also learned how to adapt to new environments and stay focused while competing away from home.

How did your training and preparation help you succeed?

My training and preparation helped me build the fitness, technique, and confidence I needed to compete at a high level. They also taught me discipline and consistency, which helped me stay focused throughout the competition.

Who would you like to thank for supporting you throughout your journey?

First, I would like to thank ADEK and the All Star Team for giving me this incredible opportunity. I would also like to thank my school, my training club, and my family for their constant support and encouragement throughout my journey.

How has this experience motivated you for future competitions?

This experience has motivated me to continue working hard and striving for even better results in future competitions. It has also given me greater confidence in my abilities and inspired me to set higher goals for myself.

What advice would you give to younger students who aspire to compete at a high level?

My advice would be to develop strong time-management skills so you can balance sports, education, and time for yourself. I would also encourage younger students to focus on their own goals and avoid comparing themselves to others, as everyone’s journey is different.

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

My goals for the upcoming season are to improve my overall national ranking, achieve new personal best times, and compete at the National Championships. I hope to continue developing as an athlete and building on the progress I have made this season.