Eyad Masoud: Becoming a champion swimmer and advocate

Eyad Masoud was appointed an Ambassador for Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR in 2024. A former refugee from Syria, professional swimmer and engineer now based in Auckland, Eyad’s story is one of resilience and determination.

From Syria to New Zealand

Eyad was born and raised in Aleppo, Syria, where he first discovered his passion for swimming. His earliest memories include his father teaching him how to swim in the ocean before enrolling him in formal lessons where he fell in love with the sport. What started as a childhood activity quickly grew into a lifelong passion, as Eyad began competing and winning medals in Syria.

However, his life changed in 2010 when the Syrian conflict forced his family to flee to Saudi Arabia.

“We could have never expected it,” says Eyad. “It happened way too quickly and escalated way too big.”

In Saudi Arabia, he crossed paths with David Wright, a swimming coach who was training New Zealand’s national team. David recognised Eyad’s talent and invited him to train under his guidance.

With David’s encouragement, Eyad made the decision to move to New Zealand in 2017 to continue his training. He applied for refugee status and sought asylum, hoping to rebuild his life and chase his dreams.

“It was quite a big change,” says Eyad. “But I had the help of David, who made me feel at home. He put food on my table, provided me with guidance, mentorship, friendship and a sense of family.”

Eyad continued to hone his skills and worked tirelessly towards his dream under the mentorship of David. However, in 2022, tragedy struck when David passed away at the age of 74.

“David had the biggest impact on my life. It took me a while to get over the fact that he wasn’t there anymore. I felt lost, and it took me time to admit it,” Eyad says. “But I decided to get back to it and do what he wanted me to do – live this life as if he’s watching over me and hopefully get to where he wanted me at some point.”

Pursuing his Olympic dreams

In 2019, Eyad was awarded a Refugee Olympic Team Scholarship from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), providing him with financial support and access to elite training as he worked towards his Olympic dream. While he has not yet secured a spot on the Refugee Olympic Team, swimming has always been more than just a sport for Eyad - it has been a source of strength and purpose through the many challenges he has faced.

“Swimming helped me process trauma along the way because it provided me with a platform to set goals and achieve them. Once I achieved them, I felt better about myself,” says Eyad.

His message for refugees around the world is: “Don’t give up. Don’t let them take your dreams away. You can dream, and you can aim high and really work for it.”

Keeping traditions alive

Despite building a new life in New Zealand, Eyad still holds Syria close to his heart. He mourns the fact that many Syrian children today will not experience the country the way he did.

“There were certain foods we used to eat, certain games we used to play, and stories we used to tell,” he reflects. “These form the essence of my childhood memories and have helped me become the person I am today.”

Eyad and his family lament the inability to pass down their cultural traditions to the next generation.

“As part of your identity as a Syrian, not being able to relate the good experiences from your country with the next generation is really sad.”

Advocating for refugees

Understanding the challenges of displacement firsthand, Eyad became an Ambassador for Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR in 2024. He hopes to use his platform to raise awareness and advocate for refugees worldwide.

“When you’re a refugee, there is a feeling of loneliness and not belonging anywhere. You want somebody to help you integrate into that new environment while making sure you’re still maintaining your identity. This is really crucial for people, and they need to know they’re not alone.”

Eyad firmly believes in the power of individuals to make a difference.

“At some point as a refugee, once you get to a place where you’re able to give back to society, then it’s probably your duty to jump in there, show initiative, and take the lead in helping others through tough times until they get to the other side of it.”

He also acknowledges the kindness of New Zealanders in making newcomers feel welcome.

“From my experience, Kiwis, more than anyone else I have met in my life, are very helpful and happy to support anybody along the way. There’s no other people that I can see more fit to help support people around the world than Kiwis in general.”