Even after four years, Nike’s “Dream Crazier” campaign for women who dream big, narrated by Serena Williams, is still one of my favorites. It not only highlighted the incredible achievements of athletes like Serena Williams herself and Megan Rapinoe, but also delivered a powerful message that women are unstoppable. The campaign video wasn’t just about celebrating sports achievements; it was a testament to how women have always defied expectations and will continue to do so. Regardless of the challenges they face or the doubts thrown their way, they have continually risen above societal norms and proved their limitless potential. What I appreciated most was the inclusivity of the campaign. Whether wearing a hijab or following mainstream fashion trends, women were portrayed as capable of anything.
Speaking of women who have proved to the world “what crazy can do,” in recent years, there has been a notable rise in the prominence of female Arab and African athletes, challenging stereotypes both within their regions and globally. This shift has played an important role in reshaping perceptions about what women from these areas can achieve. Names like Sarah Essam, Egypt’s first female professional footballer, and Hala Alhamrani, a pioneering Saudi Arabian triathlete, are emblematic of the growing impact of Arab women in sports. Meanwhile, in Africa, athletes like Peres Jepchirchir, an African long-distance runner, and Salwa Eid Naser, a Bahraini sprinter, have gained international recognition for their remarkable achievements. These athletes not only excel in their respective fields but also contribute to breaking down barriers and proving that women from the Arab and African regions are capable of reaching the highest levels of success. Their accomplishments stand as a testament to the evolving narrative surrounding female empowerment and challenge preconceived notions about the capabilities of women in these regions. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or simply inspired by the achievements of women in sports, here’s a list of African and Arab athletes you should know:
Zahra Lari
Zahra Lari, born in Abu Dhabi in 1995, is a groundbreaking figure skater hailing from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As the first competitive figure skater from the UAE, Lari has not only demonstrated her athletic prowess on the international stage but has also become a symbol of empowerment and a trailblazer for women in the Middle East. Breaking cultural barriers, she has participated in prestigious competitions such as the ISU World Figure Skating Championships, showcasing her dedication to her sport and inspiring women in the UAE to pursue their passions in unconventional fields. Lari’s journey exemplifies the impact of athletes from diverse cultural backgrounds challenging stereotypes and paving the way for greater inclusivity in sports.
Peres Jepchirchir
Peres Jepchirchir is a Kenyan long-distance runner who has gained international acclaim for her achievements in road racing. Born on September 27, 1993, in Kapsabet, Kenya, Jepchirchir specializes in half-marathon and marathon events. One of her notable accomplishments is winning the gold medal in the women’s marathon at the 2016 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in Cardiff, Wales. In that race, she set a world record for the women’s-only half marathon. Her impressive performance contributed to her growing reputation as a formidable athlete in long-distance running. In addition to her successes in half-marathon events, Jepchirchir gained widespread recognition for her victory in the women’s marathon at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The Olympic marathon win further solidified her status as one of the top long-distance runners globally.
Maha Haddioui
Maha Haddioui is a pioneering professional golfer from Morocco, making history as the first female Moroccan golfer on the Ladies European Tour (LET). With a passion for golf ignited at a young age, Haddioui has achieved remarkable success, competing in major tournaments like the Women’s British Open and the Evian Championship. Her trailblazing journey serves as an inspiration, breaking barriers and encouraging aspiring female golfers not just in Morocco but worldwide.
Abdulazeez Zulfah
Abdulazeez Zulfah, a talented Nigerian female footballer, recently gained widespread attention and admiration for her remarkable skills on the field and her encounter with Brazilian football icon Neymar. In a unique turn of events, Zulfah had the opportunity to meet Neymar in Qatar for a five-a-side game, where her exceptional talent caught the eye of the former Barcelona star.
Fatima Reyadh
Fatima Reyadh, a 33-year-old mother and taekwondo black belt, is rewriting the rules as the assistant coach at Bahrain’s Al Najma basketball club. Overcoming stereotypes, Fatima is not just coaching a team of men; she’s aiming to lead the team to a national championship. Dressed in black leggings and a grey T-shirt, she challenges outdated views on women in sports, bringing her 7-year-old daughter to training sessions. With hard work and dedication, Fatima sees herself simply as a basketball coach, breaking barriers along the way.
Ons Jabeur
Tunisian athlete Ons Jabeur has etched her name in tennis history as the first North African woman to hit the quarterfinals in a Grand Slam singles event. Recognised for her dynamic and strategic gameplay, Jabeur has become a notable presence on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour. Her standout performance at the 2020 Australian Open not only marked a personal triumph but also thrust her into the spotlight, uplifting the status of tennis in Tunisia and the wider North African region. With a versatile approach on the court, Jabeur’s journey serves as an inspiration, breaking barriers and showcasing the global potential within the sport.
Yara AlHogbani
Yara Alhogbani, at just 17, has made Saudi Arabian sports history by becoming the first Saudi woman to win a professional tennis championship. In a thrilling match at the J5 Isa Town tournament in Bahrain, she secured a notable victory over her opponent, Tamara Ermakova, with a final score of 6-4, 6-2. This achievement follows her previous win against Ermakova at the J4 Isa Town competition in 2021. Born in Ohio and raised in Virginia, USA, Yara courageously embraced her role as Saudi Arabia’s first female tennis player on the professional circuit. Ranked 946th by the International Tennis Federation, her record of 22 victories and 21 defeats reflects her remarkable talent.
