Although he did not qualify for the semi-finals at La Defense Arena, Al Bawwab's presence on the international stage carries a powerful message. He hopes his participation will draw attention to the challenges faced by Palestinian athletes, who often struggle to access top-level competitions. 

Al Bawwab expressed his desire for global recognition of Palestinian athletes, saying, "I have a time just for Palestine, a lane just for Palestine. This is my message of peace. We're trying to get the world to know that we're human beings. I can play sports like everybody else."

Al Bawwab's poignant words highlight the broader struggle for recognition and equality for Palestinians. He swam with a small Palestinian flag painted on his chest, symbolising his pride and solidarity with his people. His message has resonated widely, with Al Bawwab noting that "95% of reactions have been positive." 

However, he also faced scepticism and some negativity, with a few athletes questioning the legitimacy of the Palestinian team's presence at the Games. "We've had people telling us to take off our flag, take off your shirt, we don't want to see Palestine on it," he shared, underscoring the resistance they face.

Despite these challenges, Al Bawwab remains steadfast in his mission to raise awareness about the situation in Palestine. He poignantly remarked, "Imagine if it was your country? But hey, I'm Palestinian and I'm proud, and I don't care if somebody doesn't want me to wear my flag. You know, deal with it."

Beyond his Olympic pursuits, Al Bawwab has personal connections to the ongoing conflict, with relatives and friends lost to the violence. He refrains from delving into details about these tragedies, instead choosing to focus on a message of hope and perseverance. Al Bawwab has also been active in advocating for better sports facilities for Palestinian swimmers, highlighting the absence of proper infrastructure. 

"We don't have a pool in Palestine, but if we start building sports infrastructure, it can give a way out for a lot of people. It can make them smile for at least five minutes a day," he explained. Through his athletic endeavours and advocacy, Yazan Al Bawwab continues to be a beacon of hope and a voice for Palestinian athletes on the world stage.

Al-Bawwab was one of the five Palestinians who represented their country at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where he placed 66th out of 71 swimmers in the 100-metre freestyle. Since 2021, he holds the Palestinian record in the 50 and 100-metre freestyle events. Additionally, he boasts two gold medals from the Arab Games in the previous season.