Name: Samir El-Mais
Born: Sept. 10, 1980 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Sport: Boxing
What’s his story?
El-Mais moved from Abu Dhabi to Windsor, Ont., when he was 11 years old. He started boxing at the age of 13, but quit the sport at 15 to focus on school. His hiatus—with the exception of a brief return—basically lasted the second 15 years of his life, ending when he returned to boxing at age 29. Despite not participating in the sport during what would have presumably been his prime years, El-Mais is a four-time Canadian heavyweight champion.
Best result
El-Mais took home gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Biggest rival
The Cubans are pretty much unbeatable in the ring. In El-Mais’s heavyweight division, a Cuban has taken gold in every Pan Am Games dating back to 1975. When the bell rings for the 2015 Games, look for Erislandy Savon Cotilla to carry on the incredible Cuban tradition.
Here’s an interesting fact
El-Mais missed making the 2012 Olympic team by one spot and, as he told the Windsor Star, it had a devastating affect on him. “I lost by one medal (making the Olympics) and it destroyed me for six months. I was unhappy for a while.”
El-Mais, nicknamed ‘Sweet Sammy’ and known for his confident attitude, prides himself on the fact he’s never been knocked out.
Prediction
El-Mais will win a medal in Toronto.