The true athlete project podcast series: coaching with impact and mindfulness with reem abdalazem

​In the latest episode of the AthMindset® Podcast, host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, concludes our special three-part series with a powerful and heartfelt conversation featuring Reem Abdalazem Bossaty OLY - a two-time Olympian, expert coach, and passionate advocate for holistic athlete development. Reem is also a proud TAP Mentor, deeply aligned with our mission of transforming lives through sport.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about coaching, athlete well-being, and building a more compassionate sports culture.

Reem’s Journey: From Olympian to Impact-Driven Coach

Reem shares her incredible journey from representing Egypt in artistic swimming at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics, to becoming an internationally recognized coach who emphasizes “impact over titles.”
Rather than focusing solely on podiums and prestige, Reem’s coaching philosophy centers around:

• Mental well-being
• Resilience
• Empowering athletes to thrive beyond medals

Her transition from athlete to coach was ignited by a powerful mentoring relationship—one that helped her understand the value of creating safe, supportive environments for athletes to grow both in and out of the pool.

Coaching Tips: Reem’s Top 3 Ways to Have a Bigger Impact

Reem’s message to coaches is clear: Your influence is profound. Make it count. Here are her top three tips for making a lasting, positive impact:

1. Know the Athletes You Support“Recognize that each athlete is unique.”
Get to know who your athletes truly are - beyond their performance. Understand their backgrounds, personalities, and goals. Your words and actions shape their self-belief, so be intentional and compassionate in your communication.
2. Always Seek to Become a Better Human “Embrace lifelong learning and a beginner’s mindset.”
Great coaching starts with self-awareness. Reflect on your own coaching approach, seek mentorship, and prioritize your own health and well-being. Stay open to creativity, innovation, and growth.
3. Empower Athlete Autonomy “Create space for athletes to explore their identities.”
Help athletes discover who they are - what drives them, where they struggle, and what they want from their sport. Empowerment begins with trust and the freedom to take ownership of their journey.

🌍 A Global Impact in Artistic SwimmingReem’s coaching credentials are as impressive as her Olympic career. A former collegiate All-American at Lindenwood University, she captained the team to its first national title. She has since:

• Coached the U.S. Senior National Team
• Led South Africa’s duet to the Tokyo Olympics
• Earned USA’s first international Coach of the Year award

Through it all, Reem has stayed true to her values - bringing mindfulness, care, and cultural awareness to every team she supports.

This episode is an enlightening listen for:

• Coaches seeking to grow and lead with empathy
• Athletes navigating their identity and purpose
• Anyone who believes sport can be a tool for transformation

👉 Listen to the full episode of the AthMindset® Podcast here 

🙌 Join the Movement

At The True Athlete Project, we believe sport can and should be a force for good. Reem Abdalazem embodies this belief through her work as a TAP Mentor, and we are grateful to share her story.

Written by: The True Athlete Project Team
Featuring: Lisa Bonta Sumii and Reem Abdalazem Bossaty OLY
Podcast: AthMindset® – Mental Health in Sport