My journey
From Humble Beginnings
to National Pride.
A Journey of Passion and Excellence in Water Polo About Reza Ojagh:
Born in Kermanshah, Iran, I, Reza Ojagh, was raised by my grandparents until the age of six. My parents, both teachers, had their hands full with my younger brother and me. Despite the challenges, I found solace in swimming, but our city lacked a pool. I would often accompany my father fishing and swim in the river, though the water was murky and I wasn’t a strong swimmer.
A move to a bigger city brought new opportunities, including access to a pool. I joined a group swimming class, where I had only four minutes of instruction per session. Undeterred, I persevered and eventually learned to swim. I joined a swim team, but my speed was lacking. My father’s tough coaching pushed me to improve, but I eventually switched to water polo at age 13.
The journey was arduous, but I refused to give up.
I moved to the capital city for better training and competition, facing numerous challenges along the way. I recall waking up at 5:00 a.m. every morning to catch the bus, surviving on raw eggs for breakfast. A coach discovered me, and I joined a new club, receiving a hotel room near the downtown area.
After two years of hard work, I was invited to join the Iranian water polo junior national team in 1996. However, an accident left me with burnt legs, and I missed the Asian championships. I recovered and eventually became part of the national team, competing in the 1997 World Championships in Cuba.
My professional career spanned a decade (1997-2006), followed by coaching stints, including assistant coaching for junior and senior national teams in various World Championships. I married my supportive wife in 2010, and we moved to the USA in 2014, seeking new challenges.
The American Dream Our move to the USA was daunting. With only two suitcases and a few hundred dollars, we faced immense uncertainty. I struggled to find a job, applying online and eventually landing a maintenance position at a complex. However, it wasn’t easy building connections in a new country. The owner’s daughter helped me secure a part-time coaching job at De Anza College, which was a valuable experience. I also worked as a swimming instructor to make ends meet. Despite our efforts, we couldn’t afford to rent a room or apartment, leading my wife to return to Iran for six months. This challenging period taught me resilience and determination.
A New Chapter
After years of teaching and coaching, I decided to create a company that combines my passion for swimming and fitness with my entrepreneurial spirit. Rez Sport LLC, founded in 2020 in California, USA, aims to promote holistic well-being and happiness through high-quality swimming gear and gym equipment.
Our mission is to empower individuals to embrace physical activity, providing comfortable and stylish equipment to support active lifestyles. As a former member of the Iran water polo national team and seasoned coach, I’m committed to enhancing the quality of life for individuals of all ages.
At Rez Sport LLC, we value our heritage, work diligently in the present, and strive for a brighter future. I invite you to join me on this journey, embracing physical activity and pursuing happiness in all aspects of life.
Sincerely,
Reza Ojagh
Founder and Owner, Rez Sport LLC
