2023 ACC CHAMPIONSHIPS
- Tuesday, February 14 to Saturday, February 18, 2023
- Greensboro Aquatic Center, Greensboro, North Carolina
- Defending Champions:
- Women: Virginia (3x)
- Men: NC State (1x)
- Full Event Schedule
- Championship Central
- Pre-Scratch Psych Sheets
- Women’s Fan Guide
- Men’s Fan Guide
- Live Results
This article discusses suicide.
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you or someone you know needs help, the NAMI HelpLine is another option open from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET Monday to Friday at 1-800-950-NAMI [6264] or [email protected]. You can also text HOME to 741741 to reach a volunteer Crisis Counselor or visit crisistextline.org.
Louisville junior Abdelrahman Elaraby gave an emotional interview on Wednesday after winning the ACC Championship in the 50 free, and breaking the Louisville Record in 18.79.
Months of work culminating in achieving goals is always emotional, but this one takes on special significance for the sprinter from Cairo, Egypt.
Last year, he withdrew from the NCAA Championships two weeks before the competition after attempting suicide.
“It’s crazy to think that I’m still here,” Elaraby said.
“It’s okay to fall. It’s okay to fail. It’s okay to lose the battle just don’t lose the war,” he said after the race. “I lost the battle last year, and this one’s for everybody that lost the battle.”
"It's okay to fall. It's okay to fail. It's okay to lose the battle just don't lose the war."
This moment is everything. #GoCards pic.twitter.com/2OyuzqPNId
— Louisville Swim & Dive (@LouisvilleSD) February 16, 2023
Elaraby finished 2nd at last year’s meet, swimming 18.83. In May, he opened up about his suicide attempt and encouraged others suffering from depression to seek help.
Watch his title-winning swim below. He was swimming out of lane 7, second from the top of the screen.
You never know what someone goes through each day.
It’s good to see big name swimmers like Phelps and Elaraby be open about their troubles.
Applauding the openness with which these issues are discussed. It takes courage to share your darkest moments. No doubt this will help others. Wishing him success in swimming and in life.
What a brave and beautiful moment
I was there tonight and this takes the top moment in swimming (that doesn’t involve my kin of course) from the Olympic Trial 400 free swim where Jake Mitchell swam alone. I am so glad Elaraby Is here to swim, win and most important inspire others! You are so brave to use your moment too help others.
I’m not crying; you’re crying.
King of the castle king of the castle
Great Success!
This is why I love swimming. Props to Elaraby, and hopefully he is in a great place mentally right now
Goosebumps just watching the race and hearing him speak afterwards. Couldn’t be happier for Elaraby and Louisville! While we saw so many amazing swims tonight, this wins in my book!