Before diving into his latest blog post, get to know Ghailene Khattali a little better through his ambassador profile.

Canoe sprint is such a unique sport — what do you love most about it, and what keeps you motivated through long training sessions and competitions?

I really love how canoe sprint is connected with nature and really different from other sports, the way your body connects with the boat and the synchronisation with the water. I really enjoy the long sessions especially when we are preparing for an important competition with all the emotions.

You’ve represented Tunisia on the world stage and competed in two Olympic Games. How did it feel to achieve that dream, and what moments from Tokyo and Paris stand out the most to you?

I think that qualifying two times for the Olympic Games was the proudest and best moments of my life, achieving what I always dreamt about especially on an early age and with my country that I always presented, the feelings of my parents, family and friends in Tokyo it was challenging with the covid situation but in Paris it was really good because my family made it to there to come and watch me so it was a really unique moment.

[Ghailene Khattali is representing Tunisia at the Olympics and is standing on a canoe in calm water, holding a paddle with one hand and waving with the other. He is wearing a red and white athletic shirt, dark pants, sunglasses, and a yellow cap. Yellow buoys line the waterway behind him.]

Every athlete experiences challenges along the way — what’s one lesson you’ve learned from setbacks or tough moments that shaped you as an athlete?

I have learnt to give myself chances even if I was doing really bad, I learnt to be proud of each training I do good and be tolerant to myself, athletes career is not free of hurdles and we have to go through all the challenges and face them in order to succeed.

You’ve now been living and training in Spain for several years. How has that environment shaped your approach to training and competing at the highest level?

The sports culture here in Spain is one of the best in the world. It takes part of their tradition, very positive and helpful people who pushed me to the limits and helped me achieve my dreams, they are really professionals, disciplined and always do their work with a smile on their faces.

[Ghailene Khattali is paddling on calm water, seen from behind. He is kneeling in a narrow white canoe, wearing a black athletic outfit with the words “TUNISIA” and “G. KHATTELI” printed in white on the back. He grips a single-bladed paddle, mid-stroke, as he propels the canoe forward.]

Which PainPod products do you currently enjoy using and why?

I really use all of the products without exception. I believe all of the products are very helpful and relaxing especially when I have a very long week of training and much tiredness.

Looking ahead to Los Angeles 2028 and beyond, what goals or new projects are you most excited about — both in and outside of sport?

I have already launched my sports business helping thousands of players and athletes around the world to achieve their dreams so far, I am also still training for LA28 and trying to bring my best version, my life was and will be always around sports.