2025 Hall of Fame Profile: Akram Mahmoud

Akram Mahmoud (2014-2018) was a star swimmer before he even came to South Carolina, where he is part of the 2025 class of the Association of Lettermen’s Athletics Hall of Fame. The native of Egypt started his international career in 2014 at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China where he captured Egypt’s first ever gold medal. He won the 800-meter freestyle, and a year later he won four individual gold medals at the All-Africa Games. He came to South Carolina because he wanted more, and it didn’t take long to know he was in the right place.

“That was really big for my country because it was something that had never been done before,” said Mahmoud, who graduated with a degree in business administration with a focus on finance. “It was a different transition going from Egypt to the States. I came in December and had to swim a qualifying time to make SECs. I broke the school record in my first try. Everyone was cheering me on.

“I was lucky to be surrounded by such a great and supportive coaching staff, and my teammates such as Tomas Peribonio, Travis Morrin, and Nils Wich-Glasen. They were very supportive and helped me a lot. Going to another country can be very challenging, but they made sure it was a very easy transition for me.”

Mahmoud currently lives in Soma Bay, Egypt where he works as the Operations Manager for ONEFlow Sports, a German global sports management agency specializing in providing top-tier facilities and support for athletes.

“We have our own pool where we bring internationals in and host them for camps,” Mahmoud said. “It mainly focuses on swimming but we’re expanding with soccer and tennis.”

Mahmoud thrived in college as a 10-time All-American, taking honors in multiple events including the 500 freestyle (2016, 2017, 2018), 1,650 freestyle (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018) and 800 freestyle relay (2015, 2016, 2017). He is a three-time First Team All-SEC honoree and three-time SEC Champion in the 1650 freestyle. He earned the silver medal in the 1650 freestyle at the 2016 NCAA Championships. Mahmoud is the current school record holder in the 1000 and 1650 freestyle, second in the 500 freestyle, sixth in the 200 butterfly, plus multiple top 10 times in relays.

“Winning my first SEC title my sophomore year is one of my best memories,” Mahmoud said. “I just missed the SEC record. It was super-cool because we hadn’t had an SEC champion in a really long time before that. I remember vividly seeing my teammates on the sidelines, cheering me and going crazy. I think I won that race by like 15 seconds.”

During his collegiate career, he competed at 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in the 400 and 1500 meter freestyle events.

Mahmoud got the Hall of Fame call from his former coach, McGee Moody, who led the program from 2008 through 2021.

“I was mind-blown!” Mahmoud said. “I’m honored to be selected with such a tremendous group of people. I thought this day might come eventually, but I did not expect it to come so soon!”

Mahmoud left the U.S. in 2020 and is looking forward to being back on campus for Hall of Fame Weekend.

“I’m looking forward to seeing everybody and going back to places like the Blatt (P.E. Center) and the Dodie (Anderson Academic Enrichment Center) where I have so many amazing memories,” Mahmoud said. “I have so many beautiful memories that I will always carry with me.

“I’m very lucky and honored for this recognition. South Carolina is going to be with me for the rest of my life. It shaped not only the athlete I am today, but the person as well. I went through ups and downs, but I wouldn’t be where I am without the support and guidance of my coaching staff and teammates at South Carolina.”

The Association of Lettermen will hold its induction ceremony on Thursday, October 23 inside Williams-Brice Stadium. The 2025 Hall of Fame class will also be honored during South Carolina’s football game with Alabama on Saturday, October 25.