POWERFUL. MAJESTIC. GLORIOUS
It is an intensely demanding sport where many accomplished riders and horses struggle to cross the finish line. It requires rigorous training, a cool demeanour and the steely determination to keep going even when every muscle in your body wants to give up. Such is the ferocity of endurance horse racing.
It requires rhythmically continuous physical movement with the horse and high muscle strength of hands to upper-forearm and back strength; which are ameliorated by horse riding.
Only those who remain undaunted when the going gets tough, with the vision to dream, the courage to recover from adversity and the determination never to be shifted from their goals can be winners. His Highness Shaikh Nasser is all this and more as he tests the limits of his physical and mental strength and conquers endurance sport after endurance sport.
It was perhaps one of the proudest moments for Bahrain as His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa was crowned World Champion at the FEI Endurance World Championship, in Abu Dhabi. His Highness Shaikh Nasser, with his horse Darco La Majorie added Senior World Champion – individual and team – to his already successful equestrian record of achievements, only months after he claimed gold at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses in October. Having participated in 14 championships since 2004, His Highness Shaikh Nasser won his first gold at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses in 2012.
His latest victory, in an event that featured 126 riders, both men and women, representing over 36 countries, is born out of his persistence and passion for excelling at everything he participates in from Ironman World Championship to World Endurance Championships.
His Highness Shaikh Nasser, His Majesty’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs, Supreme Council for Youth and Sport (SCYS) Chairman and Royal Endurance Team captain believes in leading by example. His dedication, perseverance and sheer determination have made him an aspirational figure for young athletes the world over.
In an exclusive interview with Life N Style, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa gives us a glimpse into his life as a world-class athlete, shares with us what kindled his fascination for horses, his proudest sporting memory and his love for his young family.
Congratulations Your Highness on becoming the world champion – and now that you have achieved it – can you tell us how the journey has been? And what it takes to be a world champion?
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa: Becoming a world champion demands a significant commitment to training, preparation, and continuous development. It requires a combination of natural talent, hard work, dedication, and a deep understanding of the horse’s needs and abilities. The journey is long and challenging, but with hard work, dedication, and perseverance, it is possible to achieve this goal. When I compete, I always strive to set a new personal best.
Endurance racing is a very intense sport requiring immense dedication, can you take us through the schedule you set for yourself to reach the top of the sport?
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa:To excel in this sport, it is imperative for me to have a rigorous and systematic schedule that I follow strictly, encompassing consistent training, adequate nourishment, diligent recovery, and mental readiness, and the full backing of my team.
Endurance horse racing is a mentally challenging sport, and riders need to have a positive mindset to perform at their best. Incorporating meditation, visualisation, and positive affirmations in my routine help me conquer mental fatigue and stay focused during races.
In essence, a structured and disciplined regimen that incorporates consistent training, balanced nutrition, efficient recovery, psychological readiness, team support, and competitive exposure is required to achieve the pinnacle of success in endurance horse racing.
Your pictures with your horses showcase a very beautiful relationship – Do you remember how this relationship began and your first horse? And do you have a favourite?
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa: As a child, I was introduced to equestrian sports by my father, His Majesty, The King, who gifted me my very first horse. My first participation in equestrian sports was on April 7th, 2000, and since then, my passion for the sport has continued to grow.
Today, I am fortunate enough to have a collection of horses that I carefully choose for each race based on their unique abilities and conditions. I understand that each horse is different, and it is crucial to consider their individual strengths and limitations while choosing them in each competition I participate in.
I believe that the relationship between a horse and its rider is incredibly special, and I am fortunate enough to have developed a strong bond with each of my horses. The time I spend with them brings me immense joy and satisfaction. As a lifelong sportsman, what sparked your interest in sports?
Apart from your latest victory, is there a memorable moment that you can share that took place when you were competing? Which is your favourite?
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa: Triathlon has been one of my favourite sports besides horse racing, and I have dedicated a significant amount of time and effort towards honing my skills in it. Participating in triathlons has not only pushed me to my physical limits but has also taught me valuable lessons in perseverance, resilience, and discipline.
One of the most memorable moments of my athletic career was achieving my four-year goal of winning the 2018 Ironman World Championship in my age category at Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The Ironman World Championship is one of the most gruelling and prestigious triathlon events in the world and winning it was a dream come true for me.
Leading up to the race, I had put in countless hours of training, both physical and mental, and had developed a meticulous strategy that would help me achieve my goal.
I persevered through the challenging course, drawing strength from my training, and mental preparation.
Crossing the finish line and being crowned the Ironman World Champion was an indescribable feeling, and it remains one of the most significant accomplishments of my athletic career. It taught me the importance of setting goals, developing a strategic plan, and working tirelessly towards achieving them, no matter how challenging they may seem.
As someone who is constantly challenging himself to reach greater heights, is there a new target you have set for yourself?
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa: My philosophy is that I am always in competition with myself, constantly endeavouring to surpass my personal achievements in all aspects of life. I maintain a long list of aspirations and targets that I am determined to attain in my lifetime.
The King, His Majesty, has been the beacon of inspiration and guidance that has helped me strive for success in my life. My family serves as the primary motivation for me to become a better person each day, while my aspiration to inspire my fellow countrymen propels me towards achieving excellence in all my endeavours.
Your Highness, we have followed your magnificent journey for the last several years and you have been an inspiration to the youth, as the head of Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, what is your hope for the aspiring young sportsmen/women of the country?
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa: Observing the participation of Bahraini youth in sports brings me immense joy and a sense of fulfilment, and I am honoured to serve as a source of inspiration for them. My primary objective is to support the youth in realising their aspirations and becoming exemplary citizens by offering opportunities for them to acquire the skills and qualities required to become future leaders of the country.
This aligns with His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s vision for the Bahraini youth, wherein sports serve as an excellent platform to nurture and instil qualities such as responsibility, teamwork, dedication, and effort, which are vital for success. Through sports, the youth can learn the significance of contributing to the greater good and striving towards collective achievements.
Together with my brother, His Highness Shaikh Khalid Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who currently serves as the First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, we are committed to promoting novel sports that will have a positive impact on the youth and the country’s economy, particularly through sports tourism.
The strenuous schedule of a world-class sportsman can be very challenging, and we know you are very passionate about your fitness. Is there anything else that you are passionate about, apart from sports?
In all aspects of my life, whether as a father, brother, athlete, or in serving my community, and my country, I am driven by an unwavering passion, and I always approach everything with my heart and soul, giving nothing but my best.
As a father, I strive to provide my children with a nurturing and supportive environment, where they can grow and flourish into individuals of exceptional character and integrity. I take great pride in being a reliable and responsible brother, always there to lend an ear or a helping hand whenever needed.
As an athlete, I am fully committed to honing my skills and pushing myself to the limits, constantly striving for excellence in everything I do. I am deeply passionate about sports and have a profound appreciation for the camaraderie and team spirit that it fosters. In serving my community and country, I am guided by a deep sense of purpose and responsibility, recognising the significance of contributing towards the greater good.
It brings me immense satisfaction to be able to make a positive impact on the lives of others and contribute towards the betterment of society
Overall, whether it is as a father, brother, athlete, or in serving my community and country, I am dedicated to living a life of purpose, passion, and excellence.
Your beautiful bond with your family, especially your young children, is a delight to see. How much do their love and admiration mean to you and do you hope they follow your footsteps into the world of sports?
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa: My family is the most important aspect of my life, and I take great pleasure in passing on my knowledge of sports to my children. Engaging in sports has transformed my life, enabling me to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. I would love for my kids to get the same experience. Pursuing sports requires significant changes to one’s daily routine, including dietary habits and exercise patterns. However, the benefits of such changes are significant, leaving me feeling energised throughout the day and better equipped to handle the challenges that come my way.
