Fillah
Karim

Athlete Bio

Fillah Karim’s parents immigrated to Canada from Uganda and Tanzania respectively, with their ancestral roots on both sides tracing back to the Gujarat region in India. Fillah was born in North Vancouver on July 22, 1997, and is proud to represent Canada and his home province of British Columbia on the world stage.

At the age of 12, the journey in sailing of Fillah Karim began rather unexpectedly when he attended a Learn to Sail Summer Camp at the Hollyburn Sailing Club. Despite finding the experience initially daunting and challenging, he set his heart on the Olympics, giving up all other sports and activities to focus on this goal. He started competing in the ILCA 6 class the same year he started sailing, later transitioning to the ILCA 7 class in 2015.

This determination led him to fully commit to sailing after graduating high school in 2015, despite not yet having any significant results or external support. His journey hasn’t been without its challenges, such as the 2019 Pan Am trials, where he led from the start only to lose out in the final race.

However, these experiences have only served to further fuel his determination and resilience. Fillah Karim’s story is one of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence both on and off the water.

Fillah’s ambitions in sailing are clear and focused. He is determined to fully explore his capabilities in the sport, with his sights set on winning an Olympic medal for Canada. The feeling of being perfectly in sync with his boat and the water, experiencing an incredible connection with the environment around him, is what he loves most about sailing.

One of Fillah’s most treasured memories on the water dates back to a 2019 training camp in Auckland. It was then that a pod of dolphins—so large it seemed like hundreds—accompanied him for a solid ten minutes as he sailed downwind, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

Looking to the future beyond his athletic career, he aspires to venture into the business world, particularly the real estate sector, together with his brothers and best friend.