Samir is a versatile swimmer, with strengths in middle distance freestyle, butterfly, and backstroke. He was an All-State High School swimmer for Fayetteville High School in Arkansas all four years and graduated first in his class. He was team captain both his senior and junior years. Samir also helped his club team, the Razorback Aquatic Club, to numerous state championships. His most memorable swimming experience to date was his high school team' s seizing of the state championship by 1/2 a point. Samir chose Yale because of its unique combination of social and academic activities.