At just 17, Mohamed Azan Ahmed has transformed a passion for bodyboarding into a promising career, despite early setbacks in school and minimal familial support. Azan, a native of Fuvahmulah, didn’t fare well in his O-Level exams and was considered a “below-average performer” by academic standards. Yet, this didn’t deter him. Instead, it fueled a determination to succeed beyond the classroom, channeling his energy into mastering the waves he grew up with.
Azan’s journey in bodyboarding started humbly. Without family encouragement, he trained alone, often facing skepticism. Family members initially dismissed surfing, viewing it as an unpromising pursuit. However, as Azan began making waves in competitions, they started to see the potential. His dedication was soon rewarded when he claimed victory in the junior category of the Bodyboarding League’s Labare Challenge, marking a milestone in his athletic career.
Competing with the country’s top athletes, Azan didn’t just settle for junior victories. He also challenged himself in the open category, where he finished third in the recent Labare Challenge. Reflecting on his journey, Azan says his progress in technique and experience brings improvement each year, regardless of rank.
Azan now hopes to pursue professional training abroad to further his career, aspiring to one day bring international recognition to Maldives bodyboarding. His ultimate dream is to win an international title, driven by a vision to make the nation proud. With the white waves of Fuvahmulah as his enduring source of inspiration, Azan’s sights are set high as he continues to carve his path on the world stage.
