By: Yomna Walid
Egyptian athlete Ramy Ali has made history by setting his second Guinness World Record after completing 21 underwater kettlebell swings on a single breath, combining strength, breath control, endurance, and freediving in a demanding underwater challenge.
A kettlebell is a cast-iron or steel weight shaped like a cannonball with a handle on top, commonly used for strength and conditioning exercises. Unlike traditional kettlebell training, which is performed on land, Ali carries out the exercise underwater while holding his breath.
The challenge requires him to control his breathing, maintain his body position underwater, and perform repeated kettlebell swings without coming back to the surface for air. It combines elements of strength training and freediving, making it physically and mentally demanding.
The achievement came just two years after Ali set his first Guinness World Record in 2024, when he completed 33 underwater pull-ups on a single breath in Dahab.
<iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D1563411735828105%26set%3Da.141788547990438%26type%3D3&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=500" width="500" height="735" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>&nbsp;
Ali spent a full year preparing for his latest record attempt, combining strength and physical training with breathwork, pool and open-water sessions, swimming, and the logistical preparations required to bring the challenge to life.
Under the auspices and supervision of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ali successfully completed the challenge while continuing to develop his vision of creating a new category of spectator sport that combines strength, freediving, and endurance. NileFM dives deeper with Ramy Ali into his journey, preparation, and vision behind his latest achievement.&nbsp;
Take us behind your journey. What first drew you to underwater kettlebell training?
My idea was to build on my previous world record, which was also a strength-training challenge underwater. This time, it was kind of a proof of concept that my idea would work.
The idea by the end of this journey is actually to launch a new category of spectator sports, combining strength, freediving, and endurance altogether.
<a href="https://ibb.co/v4xsm5RD"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/fdY8tRLQ/1.png" alt="1" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
After setting a Guinness World Record by completing 21 underwater kettlebell swings on a single breath, how did you prepare for the attempt? The preparation took one whole year because it was not only physical training but also mental and logistical preparation. At the beginning of the journey, I was working alone by myself, so I had to deal with sponsorship proposals, deal with sponsors, close the deals, and handle everything related to government permissions and permits.
The preparation started in September last year and took a whole year. It included physical training at the gym, breathwork training, pool sessions, open-water sessions, and swimming. It took quite a lot of effort to be able to prepare for this.
Completing 21 kettlebell swings underwater on a single breath requires an extraordinary combination of strength, breath control, and mental focus. What was happening physically and mentally during those moments underwater? The moments underwater were physically and mentally super challenging, especially because of the weather conditions during the day. The weather was rough, the sea had a very high tide, and the current underwater was very strong.
It felt like my lungs were exploding due to the fatigue and the weather conditions. Mentally, I was telling myself, &ldquo;I am not going to give up. I will do this whatever it takes.&rdquo; I had to keep myself calm despite the very strong current, which was actually making it very difficult to stay stable underwater.
<a href="https://ibb.co/wFRprh18"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/FLK8q4tc/2.png" alt="2" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
This isn&rsquo;t your first Guinness World Record. You previously completed 33 underwater pull-ups on a single breath. How did this record attempt differ from your first?
The previous record was done in August 2024 in Dahab during the summer, and the weather conditions were actually favorable. There was no wind, and the water was crystal clear.
This one was different in terms of exposure, the presence of Guinness World Records adjudicators on site, and, of course, all of these factors caused higher pressure on me compared to the previous one.
The previous one was considered more of a personal achievement, but this one was more about inspiring others, and there was a kind of responsibility. So, it was a bit heavier.
<a href="https://ibb.co/Z6BFdNbY"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/bgsC17G2/3.png" alt="3" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
As an Egyptian athlete breaking records on the international stage, how important is it for you to represent Egypt through these achievements?
The importance of representing Egypt through these achievements is to actually deliver a message that Egyptians are capable of taking on big challenges and are capable of organizing sports tourism events.
I want to help generate sports tourism in Egypt and tourism generally, so the message was mainly patriotic, representing Egypt.
<a href="https://ibb.co/s9dt9Sg7"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/DfHLfX1d/4.png" alt="4" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
What was the most memorable feedback you received after setting the record? The most memorable feedback was, &ldquo;Keep inspiring us and keep pushing us to push ourselves beyond our limits.&rdquo; This is the most memorable feedback I got from different people.
Having achieved two Guinness World Records, what is the next goal you are determined to accomplish? The next goal is to help other younger people pursue their dreams, especially in sports and setting world records.
I believe there are many people who are wishing and willing and who have the power to achieve records like this, but they don&rsquo;t really know how to facilitate the process when it comes to government requirements and permits. So, I think I will be helping others to pursue their dreams.
Beyond the records and numbers, what do you hope people take away from your journey when they see you repeatedly push beyond what they thought was possible?
I wish people would take discipline, persistence, and faith from my journey. These are the three factors of success that every person should have if they are really willing to succeed in their lives.
Hard work, dedication, avoiding distractions, and focusing on yourself are important. Don&rsquo;t get your mind busy with other people.
<a href="https://ibb.co/cKPFxwSW"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/Cpq7W63j/5.png" alt="5" border="0" /></a>&nbsp;
Photo Credit: Ramy Ali&rsquo;s official page&nbsp;

On Air Now

Non-Stop Music

You May like

Schedule

Non-Stop Music