ar- العربية Every athlete dreams of that one moment—the chance to hold their country’s flag high and walk among the world’s greatest athletes. The Olympics are not just a competition; they are a symbol of unity, determination, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s where years of hard work, sweat, and dedication come together on the world’s biggest stage.
From July 26 to August 11, 2024, the Summer Olympics will be held in Paris. This year, Saudi Arabia is ready to make a big splash with a team of 10 athletes competing in show jumping, taekwondo, athletics, and swimming. This team highlights Saudi Arabia’s growth in sports and its drive for excellence.
The Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee announced that this team includes the country’s first female athlete to qualify directly for the Olympics. Leading the way is Dunya Abu Taleb, a taekwondo star who secured her spot at the Asian qualifying rounds last March in Taiwan, China. Dunya’s participation is a big milestone, showcasing her talent and Saudi Arabia’s support for sports.
In show jumping, the Saudi team includes riders Ramzi Al-Duhami, Abdullah Al-Sharbatly, Khaled Al-Mobty, and Abdulrahman Al-Rajhi. They earned their place by topping Group 7 qualifiers at the Doha International Show Jumping Championship last year. The team’s return to the Olympics is highly anticipated, especially after winning a bronze medal in London 2012.
In athletics, 23-year-old shot putter Mohammed Tolo is making his Olympic debut after setting an Asian record at the Madrid Athletics competition last June. He will be joined by pole vaulter Hussein Al Hizam, who also makes his first Olympic appearance with 1,252 points in the global rankings.
The team also includes swimmers who got wild card entries. Mashael Al Ayed, 17, will compete in the 200-meter freestyle, making history as the first Saudi woman to participate in Olympic swimming. Alongside her is 16-year-old Zaid Al Sarraj, the youngest Saudi athlete in these Olympics, who will compete in the 100-meter freestyle.
Runner Hibah Mohammed also received a wild card entry from the International Association of Athletics Federations to compete in the women’s 100 meters, marking her first Olympics.
Saudi Arabia has a rich history at the Olympics, having competed in twelve Summer Games. The Kingdom first appeared at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany, and made its debut at the Winter Olympics in 2022.
As the Saudi team prepares for the Paris Olympics, these athletes are set to capture the world’s attention. Saudi Arabia’s investment in sports has empowered these athletes to achieve new heights, inspiring a new generation of Saudis to chase their sports dreams. By building top-notch facilities and fostering a culture of excellence, Saudi Arabia is becoming a rising sports powerhouse, paving the way for its athletes to shine on the international stage.