Rabat – Meet Mouad Salhi, known as the “Flying Moroccan Mo”, a professional jet ski rider hailing from the vibrant capital of Rabat, Morocco.
Born and bred in the coastal beauty of Morocco, Mouad’s connection to the water became apparent at a young age.
As a prodigious talent, he quickly etched his name into the jet ski history books, asserting his dominance since 2002 while proudly showcasing his homeland on the global stage.
Mouad emerged as the pride of Morocco and a trailblazer for the entire Arab and North African community within the sport, being the first Moroccan, Arab, and North African in the field.
In a recent exclusive with Morocco World News, Mouad divulged many captivating insights into his remarkable journey.
The Roots of Mouad’s Jet Ski Passion
Mouad attributes his fascination with this exhilarating sport to his deep-rooted love for motorsports, encompassing Formula 1, Motocross, and Moto GP. “I grew up on the water,” he said since his family worked on the water. “One day, I saw jet skis running along the shoreline and became obsessed,” he told MWN.
At the tender age of 12, Mouad found himself thrust into the exhilarating world of high-performance racing when his club ventured into the European Championships.
Reflecting on the pivotal moment, Mouad shared, “I was there as a spectator and to experience the energy and culture of high-performance racing.” But to his fortune, he said that when he arrived there was an extra jet ski, and the club president, Oussama El Allam, let him have a turn. “ He put me on the back of it and said go have fun, thinking it was a good experience.”
Little did he anticipate the seismic shift that would occur. Against all odds, Mouad not only competed but emerged triumphant, clinching the title of Junior European Champion in a dazzling display of skill and determination.
This watershed moment marked the genesis of Mouad’s ascent to prominence, his name soon becoming synonymous with jet ski racing not only in Morocco but across the expansive Middle East region.
Mouad’s milestone achievements
Mouad Salhi holds the distinction of being the first Moroccan Arab and African athlete to claim a European title and secure a French championship.
Most of his wins occurred in the USA, where he held the title of US champion, triumphed in Grand Prix events, and clinched the World Championship, among others.
Reflecting on the nature of the championship in the sport, Mouad expressed to MWN that winning isn’t everything, as unforeseen mechanical issues can derail a season despite leading a race. According to him, a genuine champion is someone who shows discipline and embodies the true spirit of sportsmanship.
When questioned about his emotions regarding being the pioneer Moroccan, Arab, and African to attain such recognition, Mouad expressed, “Not only (was it) an amazing feeling, but I saw how all the Western media was shocked and some people didn’t even know what Morocco was or what the flag looked like.”
He told MWN that his greatest achievement was when the club president gifted his trophy to King Mohamed 6.
A Glimpse Behind the Scenes
Becoming a champion isn’t a walk in the park, or in this case, a cruise on the water.
Mouad emphasized this struggle, “I always say this, with the little self-support I have I’ve done so much so far. Imagine with a little more support from my motherland Morocco what I could have done.”
To maintain his momentum, Mouad kicks off his day at 5 a.m., engaging in workouts every day of the week, and dedicates his weekends to jet ski practice.
Despite encountering obstacles along the way, Mouad sheepishly admitted, “I go too hard on myself that I end up with injuries, but hey I love it.”
Continuing on in the conversation with MWN, Mouad delved into his evolution from a jet ski competitor to a coach.
Mouad articulated his motivations in this transition, explaining, “When I started this sport in 2002, I always saw our club bring experienced trainers and mechanics from Europe and that bothered me, because no matter what they won’t provide you with all the secret sauce.”
Driven by a deep sense of Moroccan pride, Mouad said that he hopes to bring back to Morocco all the knowledge he has gathered from the best trainers in the world since 2007.
In addition, Mouad expressed his commitment to advancing the sport and assisting fellow enthusiasts in Morocco and across Africa. He stated, “I have been traveling back and forth to Africa to support young kids out there. Hoping for a huge academy in Morocco to provide all of my knowledge. “
As for his future aspirations, Mouad has ambitious plans to revitalize jet ski racing to a prominent level in Morocco, since, according to him, “We haven’t witnessed any world-class racing events.”
Additionally, Mouad intends to leverage the sport as a means to contribute to Moroccan tourism.
Mouad Salhi’s journey from a young enthusiast to a trail – or water-blazing figure in the world of jet ski racing exemplifies the power of passion, perseverance, and dedication.
Through his remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to his sport, Mouad has not only etched his name in the history of jet ski but has also emerged as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes, both in Morocco and beyond.
