Meet The Women Representing The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia In The 2020 Tokyo Olympics
Yasmeen Al-Dabbagh And Tahani Alqahtani are paving the way for young female athletes, inspiring a generation to find a passion for the love of the game…
Yesterday’s opening ceremony for the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics was nothing short of awe inspiring–and a not so subtle reminder that even a pandemic can’t snuff out the world’s collective spirit to once again host the most high stakes sporting event of our time. The same admiration can be said about the steep journey for 100m sprinter Yasmeen Al-Dabbagh and judoka Tahani Alqahtani.
Yasmeen Al-Dabbagh
Competing in the speedy 100m dash, 23-year-old Yasmeen always had an affinity for competition. While attending high school at the Jeddah Knowledge School in Saudi Arabia, she couldn’t help but participate in just about every sport the school had to offer. From basketball to gymnastics, it was obvious the young Yasmeen had a sports acumen that set her apart from other students.
It wasn’t until she studied in New York City at Columbia University that she honed in on her sprints. Since then, the olympian has trained for the past three years with the legendary Linford Christie, the most decorated British athlete of all time and the only runner to win gold at all four 100m events including the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.
Just about 13 seconds stands between Yasmeen and the finish line in Tokyo, a feat she blew past at the athletics national trials this past June. Named “The Fastest Woman in Saudi Arabia,” Yasmeen broke the national female record with a 13.24 timing, earning her a ‘University Place’ invitation to the Olympics. For the young athlete, it’s a dream-come-true.
“I’m running for myself, my country and for all young Saudis. So many people have helped me throughout my career to compete, become a better sprinter and better person. I’ll have each one of them in my mind and heart while wearing the colors of the Kingdom in Tokyo. I hope in hearing my story, other young Saudi girls feel encouraged to get into sports and the world sees more Saudis competing on the international stage,” said Yasmeen as reported by The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Tahani Alqahtani
For judo warrior Tahani Alqahtani, her love for the sport grew after taking a summer martial arts course at King Saudi University almost by happenstance. “I found myself in the sport. I already loved sports in general and since I joined I realised that it gets my energy and I loved it. Judo for me is not only a sport but a passion that I adore, in its every detail. I study it daily. I want to do my best to achieve the highest results,” says Tahani.
Since then, the 21-year-old has earned her place in the International Judo Federation, specializing in the contact sport of tactical defense fighting. In an interview provided by the Federation, Tahani showed her pride for The Kingdom along with her wish to inspire other women to enter the world of sports.
“I want more Saudi women to join so we can have a full team with female athletes of my country at the highest positions, working at the continental level and beyond. I want to be able to raise the flag of my country with pride on the World Tour. Through that and my successes I want to show the world the true image of Saudi women. It is an ambitious goal but it is important to keep pace with the modern era in all directions.”
Tahani’s confidence is contagious. Already making leaps and bounds above the competition, the student athlete is bound to teach us a thing or two.
Paving The Way For Female Athletes
With Yasmeen and Tahani at the helm, the road for female competitors in the often times male dominated world of sports is that much smoother. There’s no telling how far Yasmeen and Tahani will go but one thing’s for certain, we’ll be rooting for them from afar.
Visit Olympics.com to tune in.
Images courtesy of Instagram / @saudiolympicsa
Lead Image courtesy of saudiembassy.net and @saudiolympicsa