Bazaar Belief: Saudi Skier Sharifa AlSudairi’s Guide To Life On and Off-Piste

From her proudest achievements to what she enjoys the most about her work, the 37-year-old professional athlete shares candid insight into her winning mindset with Harper’s Bazaar Saudi here

You’d think the desert would be Sharifa’s natural habitat but instead this athlete describes herself as “A girl thriving in sub-zero temperatures, who is an adrenaline-seeking junkie with a love for speed.” She adds that she is “always daydreaming about the perfect شريفة السديري ” run down the slope.

HBA: What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

SAS: The adrenaline rush and constant pursuit of improvement and excellence.

HBA: Proudest Achievement?

SAS: Being a positive influence on fellow athletes in my country and inspiring young Saudis to pursue ski racing as well as encouraging them to follow their passion.

HBA: Which experience taught you most about yourself?

SAS: Experiencing an injury last year in the middle of my ski season was one of the most challenging times of my life. It provided a profound insight into my resilience, patience, and the importance of self-care. It taught me the value of perseverance, the ability to adapt to challenges, and the significance of seeking support from others during difficult times. Overall, this experience allowed me to discover my inner strength and prioritise my well-being in a new way.

HBA: What inspires you most about your job?

SAS: Being immersed in nature, gaining insights from other athletes, and most of all the freedom that ski racing brings to me.

HBA: Best piece of advice to someone in your field?

SAS: Consistency is key – don’t look at the end goal but every small achievement that will take you eventually there

HBA: Anything you still want to learn?

SAS: I want to keep refining my technique and continue to get better at both disciplines that I ski, slalom and giant slalom. Another important aspect of ski racing, as is the case in any sport, is working on my mental strength to get me through competition days.

HBA: Biggest regret?

SAS: Listening to the skeptics and not starting sooner.

HBA: What do you listen to the most – your head, heart or gut?

SAS: I wish I was in a place where I can say I listen to all three. My head for reasoning and logic, my heart for emotions and empathy, and my gut for intuition and instinct. I would say it all depends on the situation.

HBA: What life-defining moment changed the way you think?

SAS: There was not one moment but rather a plethora of life’s many experiences that made me appreciate that falling down is just an opportunity to get up with more determination. I learned that everything and anything could be conquered with the right mindset.

HBA: Favourite adage?

SAS: Rumi said “Live life as if everything is rigged in your favour.” To me it means maintaining a positive optimistic outlook, and approaching challenges with confidence and hope.

HBA: If you wrote a book, what would it be about?

SAS: The little girl from the desert who dreamed of skiing on big snowy slopes – and chased after those dream.

HBA: What would you tell your younger self?

SAS: Don’t take everything too seriously, and don’t let anyone ever tell you your dreams are out of reach. Only you know your full potential.

From Harper’s Bazaar Saudi’s Summer 2024 issue.