UAE Surfer Chases Olympic Dream After Colon Surgery

A 33-year-old Dubai resident named Mohammad Hassan was battling ulcerative colitis for the past 15 years. Hassan was a rugby player but had to quit because of his condition.

Hassan, however, found a different passion – surfing. He started competing in the World Surfing League. He recently moved back to the UAE, hoping to qualify for the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Hassan’s condition got so severe that doctors actually removed his colon. Now, he can go through his daily life without using the bathroom 15 to 20 times a day.

“My condition really controlled my life; I had to plan everything I did around having a toilet nearby. There were so many things I couldn’t do,” Hassan said.

Mohammad Hassan’s next opportunity to qualify for the olympics is at an international surfing competition in South America.