This is Merhan Yasser’s journey in the open ocean. For Merhan Yasser, the water is more than just a training ground; it is a second home and a source of purpose. A rising star in the world of open water swimming, Merhan has recently made waves by securing historic rankings for Egypt and the MENA region. Yet, her path to the podium was not a straight line; it was a journey filled with self-discovery, resilience, and a commitment to the sea.
From First Strokes to Finding a Purpose
Merhan’s relationship with the water began at the age of four. Like many children, she was introduced to the sport by her mother, though it wasn’t love at first sight.
“I didn’t love it at first,” Merhan opens up, “but there was this quiet inner voice that kept telling me to continue, even when I didn’t fully understand why”.
Merhan shares that she faced some challenges with swimming, but ultimately, she felt she couldn’t live without swimming. After cycles of quitting and returning, she found her way back with a transformed perspective. That persistence eventually transformed swimming into a core part of her identity.
“Later, after taking a long break from swimming during university, I realized how deeply swimming was tied to my sense of purpose. Stepping away from that intense, and sometimes toxic, competitive environment gave me space to reflect.” She shares.
Conquering the Open Water
While she grew up in the pool, Merhan’s true calling lay in the vastness of the ocean. She first noticed her affinity for long distances at age 13, observing that while others were faster in the pool, she outperformed them in open water. This is how Merhan Yasser’s journey in the open ocean started.
“I remember noticing that although many swimmers were faster than me in the pool, I was outperforming them in longer-distance open water races.”
Without a clear pathway or specialized coaching at the time, the idea remained a “quiet idea in the back of my mind” for years. Then everything changed when she discovered Oceanman, a platform that let her explore her endurance and natural comfort in the sea.
“Open water feels raw, freeing, and aligned with who I am as an athlete,” Merhan explains. “In many ways, every swim feels like a conversation between me and the sea”.
Breaking Records and Barriers
Merhan’s return to the water has been nothing short of historic. In September, she placed first in her age group at Oceanman Egypt in El Gouna. This victory qualified her for the World Final Championship in Dubai, where she secured 3rd place in the 2km race. This achievement ranks among the highest individual international open-water rankings ever earned by an Egyptian swimmer.
“It transformed my relationship with swimming into something intentional and deeply personal. Also, it gave me a solid affirmation that I am moving in the right direction.”
Her success extended to the team format as well. Merhan was part of the first women’s relay team from the MENA region to achieve a ranking at that level. She placed 5th among over 2,800 athletes from 90 countries. For Merhan, these results are a validation of every doubt and every comeback.
Overcoming Challenges with Compassion
As a young woman in a demanding sport, Merhan has faced many challenges, particularly regarding body image and societal expectations. During her teenage years, she struggled with physiological changes that didn’t align with the stereotypical look of a swimmer.
“I was often pushed through training methods that didn’t suit my body, which left me feeling more exhausted and burned out,” she recalls.
“On top of that, I was exposed to a lot of judgment — both at school and in sports environments, about how a swimmer is ‘supposed’ to look. That external pressure deeply affected my confidence and my relationship with my body,” she adds.
Today, she approaches her sport with a different mindset, prioritizing sustainability and self-compassion over external judgment. At the recent Oceanman competition, she focused on what her body could do rather than how it looked—a shift she credits for her success.
The Future is Wide Open
What keeps Merhan going through demanding training and slow progress is a simple, enduring love for the water. She has traded the pressure of her youth for a pre-competition routine focused on visualization and presence.
As she continues to represent Egypt on the global stage, Merhan Yasser remains driven by the “absolute presence and freedom” she finds in the waves. For this remarkable athlete, the journey is no longer just about the finish line; it’s about the joy of the water itself.