Youssef Oualtab didn't need a professional coach to discover his talent; a single childhood leap was enough to set his compass towards sports. From the tranquil city of Ifrane, he is steadily and ambitiously making his way in triathlon, combining athletic achievements with academic diligence despite his young age. Youssef Outaleb had no idea that a childhood leap into a pool would open the door to a life in professional sports. At just five years old, his father took him to the Al Akhawayn pool in Ifrane, where their family is from, and strapped a small float around his waist. Without hesitation, Youssef jumped in. The float slipped off, and the young boy sank straight to the bottom, only to rise again and start swimming instinctively, to the shock and panic of his father, who thought the moment might turn tragic. Instead, it marked the beginning of a champion's story. That day, his father, himself an athlete who had competed in events including the Marathon des Sables, realized that sports ran in his son's veins and decided to guide him in discovering his potential. From then on, Youssef entered a world no one had planned for him. During a phone call with Yabiladi, Youssef recounts the story with a playful tone, while his mother, audibly proud, sits beside him: «My father planted the love of sports in me with a magic needle», he joked. Balancing Dreams with Discipline: Youssef Outaleb Between School and Track At 14 today, Youssef didn't stop at swimming. He gradually began joining his father in running and cycling sessions, discovering triathlon, where all three sports intersect, and realizing it was his true calling. His determination soon caught the attention of the Royal Moroccan Triathlon Federation, which invited him to compete in the 2023 Moroccan Championship in the U13 category. Despite being his first appearance among seasoned young athletes, he was crowned champion. His success didn't stop there. He earned third place in the Moroccan Rescue Championship in 2025 and competed in the 2023 Throne Cup for Triathlon. He had also won the Iden Island Triathlon in 2019, secured first place in Kids Tamuda in 2022, among several other titles. Alongside his athletic talent, Youssef knows that education is essential. He is currently a third-year secondary school student and works diligently to balance academics and training. «It's not easy, but I give it everything I have. I organize my day between school in the morning and training, swimming, running, or cycling, in the evening, then go home to finish my schoolwork. My success comes from balancing school and sport». Youssef has also faced challenges. During a bike training session, a driver hit him and fled, leaving him on the ground. Luckily, the injury was minor and didn't stop him from training. Instead, it strengthened his resolve to pursue his dream without fear. This determination is also fueled by his family's unwavering support. Youssef often highlights their role: his father trains with him, guides him, and helps him share videos of their sessions on social media, while his mother makes sure he has nutritious meals to support his athletic performance. Climbing Toubkal for the Third Time: A Test of Mind and Body Youssef shares his passion with his online followers, documenting his training sessions with his father. Every week, they take cycling trips around Ifrane and tackle various challenges. He is also preparing to climb Mount Toubkal for the third time as part of his physical conditioning. Despite receiving negative comments from some social media users telling him to quit sports and focus solely on his studies, Youssef continues confidently on his path. «They don't know that I excel in my studies», he says firmly. «I know that school comes first, but sport is also a school of life, it taught me discipline, patience, and willpower». Education remains the foundation he relies on for his future, but his dreams extend far beyond the classroom. Youssef hopes to become a world champion and an Olympic triathlete once he reaches the eligible age for major competitions. He also dreams of becoming a doctor. His ambition is dual, but he believes hard work will allow him to achieve both. This young athlete from Ifrane continues to run toward the future with confidence, knowing that his very first leap into the water was anything but accidental.
