Nermine Khenefar: COVID, Kilimanjaro, and Crew

culturetraining
Written By Rachel Freedman

This episode was made possible in part by Breakwater Realty, RowSource, and our Patrons.

Ever dreamed of rowing on the Nile? Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro? Competing in the World Rowing Indoor Championship?

Egyptian Nermine Khenefar found rowing in her 40s when, winded on her ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro, friend and explorer Omar Samra suggested she take up the sport to increase her aerobic capacity. After just a few years, Nermine is an avid masters rower and indoor rowing competitor who is seeking to row everywhere she travels and welcome visitors to row with her on the Nile in Cairo, Egypt.

GUEST
Nermine Khenefar
IG: @nemo.noonee
IG: @cairow.watersports

QUICK LOOK

00:00 - Episode intro
01:38 - Nermine's rowing origin story
03:35 - Rowing Week 1-10: training for the 2025 World Rowing Indoor Championships
05:39 - The Hot Seat Q&A
09:24 - Competitive horse riding came to end with a knee injury
11:00 - Rowing as spiritual and sacred time
13:36 - Rowing provided renewed body confidence
14:31 - Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro on her 40th birthday
17:23 - Challenges of racing when there are so few masters women rowing in Cairo
22:53 - Flat water rowing on the River Nile, coastal rowing on the Red Sea
27:53 - Rowing bucket list

Steady State Podcast is written, produced, hosted, and edited by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan. Tara provides additional audio engineering and is our sponsor coordinator. Rachel manages the website, social media, and e-newsletter. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper.

Episode Mentions

EXPLORERS
Omar Samra

ROWERS
Courtney Forester
🎧 Elizabeth Gilmore

Rachel Freedman http://www.steadystatenetwork.com
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