courtesy of AP Race
In 2023, AP Race embarked on an exciting journey to explore the opportunity of establishing a swimming academy. This vision aimed to offer an opportunity for swimmers to join an academy for their very first swimming lessons and stay with the same team to train towards an Olympic Games. In early 2024, we became aware of the huge passion and potential for swimming across the monumental Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
During our exploration we discovered WAVE, a prestigious swimming academy founded by HRH Princess Reem bint Abdullah Al Saud. WAVE is a trailblazer in the private sector for swimming in the Kingdom, focusing on both mass participation and elite performance. It is the first purpose-built swimming academy for women, boasting over 9,000 members from 2020 to 2024. Notably, Wave’s athletes have achieved success in competitions, producing numerous Saudi Games medallists and Saudi National Record holders. The former CEO and Co-founder of WAVE, Reinhardt Strijdom, a South African and former University of Kentucky swimmer, led the project that advanced female swimming development and contributed significantly to WAVE’s lasting impact on the Kingdom’s aquatic landscape.
Once WAVE, Princess Reem and Reinhardt became aware of AP Race’s plans within the Kingdom, AP Race were approached, to explore if there was mutual interest in taking acquisition of WAVE Swimming Academy. We then began to work tirelessly to make sure we took this incredible opportunity, and we are delighted to be able to officially announce that through this acquisition, today marks the official launch of the AP Race Swimming Academy in Saudi Arabia. Reinhardt expressed his confidence in our visions, stating:
“Princess Reem and I couldn’t have chosen better custodians for the project. Their operational experience, professionalism and love for the sport will have a profound effect on swimming in the Kingdom and we can’t wait to see the long-term results”
– Reinhardt Strijdom, Co-founder and former CEO of WAVE
AP Race Founders Adam Peaty and Ed Baxter, also shared their enthusiasm:
“This project is something I am incredibly passionate about and it is an honour to be in this position. When Ed and I founded AP Race, there was one clear goal – to have as much positive influence on the swimming world as possible. With this project, there is an opportunity to shape an entire nation’s swimming trajectory while continuing to grow all of our projects in the UK. I can’t wait to spend time within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, spreading the power of sport, so soon after arriving home from Paris.”
– Adam Peaty, Triple Olympic Champion and AP Race Co-founder
“It is an honour to be in the position to take acquisition of WAVE. We have been incredibly fortunate to work with such a welcoming and passionate team through this process, by way of Princess Reem, Eyad Jubair and Reinhardt Strijdom. We have recruited a world class team from all around the world to grow this project with us, such as our Director of Operations, Katie Towner. I couldn’t be more excited to not just build more champions in the pool, but also make more children and adults safe around water, and of course continue to leave an amazing legacy for the work done thus far.”
– Ed Baxter AP Race Managing Director and Co-founder
This is a momentous moment within the swimming world, for promising, positive change and unparalleled opportunities within the aquatic community. AP Race are driven to create something that will make a true difference and continue to spread our message globally, to help swimmers, coaches and parents, become…
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