Even out of the pool, Abdelrahman Elaraby moves with the same precision that defines his swimming. Every choice matters, from the exact fold of his towel to the scent he wears. In 2025, that focus helped him break the African record in the men’s 50m butterfly at the Mare Nostrum Tour in Monaco, earning his place among the continent’s fastest swimmers.
“My grooming journey started almost by accident,” he says. “I remember my mom telling me that showering after practice and putting on deodorant wasn’t enough. Then she walked into my late grandfather’s room, came back with a fragrance, and handed it to me. That moment stayed.”
What began as a small gesture has grown into a ritual. Today, Abdelrahman Elaraby owns more than 20 fragrances, each one distinct, each one a statement. “It’s become a ritual with my friends. They come to me to find their signature scent,” he laughs.
Before competitions, his routine sharpens like a warm-up. He trims his beard, perfects his moustache, and feels the reset of a clean face. “It helps me focus,” he says. Each detail signals a shift into race mode—a quiet mental cue that the pool and the world outside are separate. He likens it to stepping into an alter ego, recalling Suicide Squad and how Cara Delevingne’s character moved between two identities. “Appearance shapes perception. It’s the same for me.”
Time in the water leaves its mark: dry skin, irritation, stubborn goggle lines. Skincare is no longer optional. “Hydration is key. Caring for my skin helps me reset both physically and mentally,” he explains. A gentle cleanser and hydrating serum form the base, while everything else adjusts to the day’s schedule.
When public appearances call, grooming takes on a different meaning. “It’s about presence. I want to look like someone who respects the space he’s in,” he says. Two steps never change: face wash and fragrance. “Face wash resets me. Fragrance is how I choose to show up. If I have those two, I feel like myself.”
His scent mirrors the balance he lives by. “MYSLF L’ABSOLU by YSL has presence without being overwhelming. It’s powerful, but calm at the same time,” he says. Competitive in the water, grounded outside it. The fragrance embodies that.
Between training, travel, and appearances, grooming has become one of the rare pauses in his day. “It’s one of the few moments where I slow down and reconnect with myself. It keeps me consistent.”
And one piece of advice has stayed with Abdelrahman Elaraby over the years: “Always look put together and don’t be afraid to overdress. It’s about setting your own standard. When you show up looking your best, you carry yourself differently.”