Riyadh: Saudi Arabia dignitaries applauded Mashael Alayed, the kingdom's trailblazing female swimmer, who made history as the first woman from Saudi Arabia to compete in the Olympics.
The 17-year-old swimmer, representing Saudi Arabia in Paris, achieved a significant personal milestone by finishing sixth out of seven competitors in her 200 meters freestyle heat.
Breaking new ground in Saudi sports
For decades, female athletes in Saudi Arabia faced numerous restrictions, with girls barred from sports in public schools until 2017 and women prohibited from entering sports stadiums until the following year. Mashael Alayed’s Olympic debut marks a crucial step forward in the integration of women into Saudi sports. Princess Reema bint Bandar bint Sultan, a key figure in the Saudi Olympic Committee and the kingdom's ambassador to Washington, expressed her pride on X, stating, “Proud to cheer on this young woman! Breaking boundaries! Mashael Alayed.”
A personal best and an inspiring journey
Although Alayed did not advance to the semi-finals, she recorded a personal best time of 2:19.61, surpassing her previous record of 2:21.04. Her performance at the Aquatic Complex in Paris' La Défense Arena placed her 23.82 seconds behind the fastest qualifier, Australia’s Mollie O'Callaghan. This swim marked her fourth major championship since joining the elite development program in Saudi Arabia.
Future of Saudi sports
Ahmed Alqadamani, president of the Saudi Swimming Federation, praised Alayed’s participation as a testament to the growing potential of Saudi sports. His statement noted, “Mashael’s progress from yesterday to today demonstrates how Olympic participation and exposure to top international athletes can significantly enhance and refine her talent.” He added, “Her journey will undoubtedly inspire future generations of female athletes.”
Future prospects and recent achievements
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, the sports minister and chairman of the Saudi Olympic Committee, expressed optimism about Alayed’s future, commenting on X, “Mashael Alayed has a great future ahead, all the best.” Alayed, who represents Ettifaq Club, recently earned a gold medal and two silvers at the inaugural Gulf Games in the UAE in April 2024, along with multiple medals at the Saudi Arabian Games.
Mashael Alayed’s groundbreaking Olympic appearance not only highlights her individual achievements but also symbolizes a broader shift in Saudi Arabia's sports landscape, paving the way for future female athletes in the kingdom.