Paris 2024 Spotlight: Arab Athletes Who Are Redefining the Games
Since the Olympics kicked off back in July, athletes from around the world have been pushing to nab Olympic gold.
Slaying the games since the start, Arab athletes have been paving a path for themselves toward Olympic glory, with many reaching the quarter and semi-finals while others are nabbing medals. Let us take a look at the Arab athletes we believe are making serious noise at this year’s Olympics.
Egypt’s Ibrahim Adel
In a moment that can only be called a true milestone of historical significance, Egypt shocked the world when its football team reached the Olympic semi-finals for the first time in 60 years.
During the quarter-finals, Egyptian player Ibrahim Adel brought the team to victory against Paraguay with minutes left to the clock, earning his team a spot in the semis through a 1(5)-1(4) win through penalties.
Adel has been on quite the roll in the Paris Olympics, helping the team get to the quarter-finals. He scored not one but two goals during the match. Late in the first half, he came in hot and earned the team the first point through an impressive strike.
He then added another win in the 62nd minute. As a 23-year-old player, he is considered a star during the Paris Olympics.
UAE’s Safiya Al Sayegh
At any sporting competition, nothing is more impressive than a pioneer athlete who paves the way for many to follow in tow. That is the case for Safiya Al Sayegh, the first UAE and Gulf female cyclist in Paris in 2024.
She is breaking all kinds of stereotypes, including her adamant fight against negative stereotypes associated with the hijab in sports.
This wasn’t the first time that she was a major trailblazer. She also made her first major breakthrough at the Asian Championships, where she won the first-ever medal for the UAE at the Asian level.
Even though she did not finish at the 158km Women’s Elite Road Race at the Paris Olympics, merely taking part and being the first Emirati cyclist to compete at the Olympics is a win in and of itself.
Jordan’s Julyana Al-Sadeq
Joining the trailblazing clan is Julyana Al-Sadeq, a taekwondo star who made a name for herself after becoming the first Arab woman to top the world rankings.
She has her sights set on gold, knowing that she already has many awards under her belt, including the World Championship silver and an Asian Games gold for the 67kg category.
Now, she hopes to make history by becoming Jordan’s first Olympic taekwondo medalist during the upcoming competitions, which kick off on August 7 and run until 11.
Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim
High jump sensation Mutaz Essa Barshim is one hell of a sharpshooter when it comes to the Olympic Games.
Knowing how he already nabbed back-to-back silvers in London and Rio and won gold during the Tokyo Games, now he has his eyes set on back-to-back gold during the Paris Olympics.
He wants to become the greatest high jumper of all time, seeing as how he already is the second highest jumper of all time with a personal best of 2.43.
Egypt’s Mohamed El-Sayed
Starting off strong, Egyptian fencer Mohamed El-Sayed was the first Arab Olympic athlete to nab a bronze medal during the Paris Olympics. He won the medal after defeating Hungarian Tibor Andrasfi during the men’s epee competition. Ranked 10th in the world, he defeated his opponent with a score of 8-7.
His win went viral on social media because he mimicked Cristiano Ronaldo’s signature win move: a storming jump and then a turn.
Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali
Starting off his Olympic journey on a great foot, Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali won his 3000m steeplechase heat, earning him a spot in the final. He hopes to defend his steeplechase title on Wednesday at the Games by winning gold and becoming the third Arab to win double gold.
His rise to stardom all began 10 years ago when he finished fourth in the 3000m men’s steeplechase at the World Junior Championships in Athletics in Eugene, Oregon. It was the first time he made a major global impression during an international sporting event.
This is a mere glimpse at the athletes we believe are sharp shooters, ones who will easily slay the Paris 2024 Olympics.
