Samir “Sammy” El Mais

Biography

Since moving to Canada more than two decades ago, Samir El Mais has always wanted to wear the maple leaf at the highest level and be the reason for the playing of the national anthem and the raising of the flag. That dream came true in 2014 when he won Canada’s first Commonwealth Games boxing gold medal since 2002. El Mais had previously left boxing at age 15 to focus on school, just three years after he had started the sport. He made a brief comeback at age 25 only to make a more permanent return at age 29 so that he would have no regrets about never giving the sport his all. In his first year back he competed at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, narrowly missing a medal. After coming just one win shy of qualifying for London 2012, El Mais was extra motivated and by 2013 was ranked 10^th in the world.

PERSONAL

Family: Parents Adnan and Rasmia… His father has always believed in his ambition and made him believe he could do anything… Getting into the Sport: Started boxing at age 12… First represented Canada at age 29 after taking 14 years away from the sport… Outside Interests: Enjoys playing tennis… Works as a personal trainer… Would like to become a firefighter, a dream he’s had since childhood… Volunteers at the Calgary Islamic School, motivating kids to believe in themselves and reach their goals… Odds and Ends: Says prayers for good luck… Stays relaxed before a bout by cracking jokes… Nickname: Sweet Sammy… Favourite motto: Hate what you love and love what you hate…

Since moving to Canada more than two decades ago, Samir El Mais has always wanted to wear the maple leaf at the highest level and be the reason for the playing of the national anthem and the raising of the flag. That dream came true in 2014 when he won Canada’s first Commonwealth Games boxing gold medal since 2002. El Mais had previously left boxing at age 15 to focus on school, just three years after he had started the sport. He made a brief comeback at age 25 only to make a more permanent return at age 29 so that he would have no regrets about never giving the sport his all. In his first year back he competed at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, narrowly missing a medal. After coming just one win shy of qualifying for London 2012, El Mais was extra motivated and by 2013 was ranked 10^th in the world.

NOTABLE INTERNATIONAL RESULTS

CWG: 2014 – GOLD; 2010 – 5^th

AIBA WCh: 2013 – Elim, 2^nd Rd; 2011 – Elim. 2^nd Rd

PAC: 2013 – BRONZE; 2010 – 5^th