5 Muslim Athletes Bringing their A-game to Paris
by Laila Musleh
Muslim athletes are making history as some are the first Muslim women to compete on the Olympic stage in their respective sport. While competing at the highest level, they are serving as influential figures inspiring women and athletes within their community and beyond.
As billions tune in for the Paris Olympics, thousands of athletes, representing a myriad of nationalities, are ready to make their mark. Among them, the Muslim community stands out, spanning across Jordan, UAE, Egypt and Morocco – just to name a few of the nations represented by Muslim athletes.
These athletes' stories of sacrifice, grit and passion for their sports are inspiring not only to their community but also the world at large; they are breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes imposed on Muslims, allowing the world insight into the normalcy and humanity of a community often defined with abnormality.
Julyana Al-Sadeq
Jordanian Julyana Al Sadeq, complemented for her facial similarities to Lady Gaga, was the first Arab woman to top the World Taekwondo Rankings in 2022. The Paris Olympics are Al-Sadeq’s second appearance in the Olympic games – her debut was in the Tokyo 2020 games.
Her childhood endured criticisms for being a woman in sports, as she pursued gymnastics and taekwondo. She credits her family's unwavering support and athleticism for her drive and inspiring rankings in her sport.
Her journey to stardom was met with setbacks and doubts, as anyone’s would. Failing to qualify for the Rio 2016 games, Al-Sadeq pulled away from Taekwando; during this period, she struggled with injuries and low self-esteem. Working alongside a sports psychologist and finding her place back in the dojo, Al-Sadeq re-imagined her success by winning the 2018 Asian Games and defeating the Olympic bronze medalist, Ruth Gbabi, in the 2022 Riyadh Grand Prix season, qualifying her for the Paris games.
Safiya Al-Sayegh
Safiya Al-Sayegh is the first Emirati woman, alongside being the second Emirati rider, to qualify for her race.
The cyclist’s athleticism roots back to her family’s involvement in competition and sports, being a daughter of a professional football player. From a young age, Al-Sayegh expressed infatuation with the world of sports, through experimenting with swimming, gymnastics and basketball. Eventually, affirming her love for cycling in her teens.
Limited by the rarity of women cyclists in her country, Al-Sayegh was keen on competing on the national team. Embarking on the national team, to landing in the Dubai Police Pro Cycling team, Al-Sayegh became a part of the UAE World Tour Women’s Cycling Team, made up of only 15 female athletes. Winning at the UAE National Championships in 2022 and 2023, Al-Sayegh qualified for the 2024 Olympics, her biggest race yet.
Al-Sayegh views her road to the Olympics as a mere opportunity to represent her country.
Yomna Ayad
Yomna Ayad makes history as the first Egyptian female boxer to secure a feat at the Olympic Games. She defeated Algeria 3-1 in the final match of the African Qualifiers, earning her spot for the Paris Games. Prior to this, Ayad won a bronze medal at the Mediterranean Games.
Growing up in a family deeply involved in sports, Ayad developed a passion for boxing from a young age. Throughout her career, she competed in both national and international arenas across various weight classes.
Her achievement as the first Egyptian female boxer to qualify for the Olympics establishes her as a prominent role model for Arab, African and Muslim girls and athletes aspiring to secure success within their respective sports. With that, female boxers are a rare sight in the Arab world; her appearance in Paris will push for normalization for female athletes in Egypt and worldwide.
Khadija El Mardi
Mother of three, Moroccan Khadija El Mardi is the first Arab and African woman to win a boxing world title. Despite qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 games, Mardi forfeited the opportunity to compete due to the birth of her third daughter. Now, she is ready to claim the gold in Paris.
Bullying and harassment inspired what became a rewarding career for Mardi; in response, she sought boxing as a form of self-defense. Her first major tournament, Marrakesh's Mohammed VI International Cup in 2024, marked a difficult time in her career as her biggest supporter, her mom, suffered a heart attack and passed away. Mardi continues to credit her mom’s support for her successes.
Mardi’s track record is proof of her determination to win; from placing third at the 2019 Women’s World Boxing Championships, taking the silver in 2022 and winning the gold in the 2024 edition.
Mardi proves unstoppable. As she pursues the gold at this year’s Olympic games, she strives to create a legacy as the first Arab or African woman boxer to win, inspiring the rest of the Arab world, Africa and all boxers around the world.
Noor Slaoui
As the Moroccan rider arrives at the Palace of Versailles, she will be the first Middle Eastern and North African to compete in the Olympic equestrian games.
Her love for horses developed at a young age. Growing up, Slaoui and her family took many outings in the mountains and the desert; each hike was joined by their horses and mules. At the age of 18, she moved to France to join a national horse riding school, marking her entry into the professional riding world.
As she pursued a degree at the University of Warwick, located in midlands in the Cotswolds, Slaoui was overwhelmed with riding opportunities. Following graduation, she continued a career surrounded by horses, where she met Cash in Hand, her beloved horse, that will be joining her in Paris.
Slaoui is inspired by her mom’s story and determination to achieve the “impossible”; her mom was left bound to a wheelchair after a life-altering bicycle accident. In response, her mom founded a disability rehabilitation center that offered treatments, equipment and support. Surrounded by her mom’s commitment to thrive while navigating a disability, Slaoui was empowered to achieve triumph in her equestrian career.