As Arab athletes continue to break barriers and blaze trails across all Olympic disciplines, here are some talents that you should be keeping an eye out for at this summer’s Games in Paris
Mutaz Barshim
High Jump (Qatar)
As the defending Olympic champion, the Qatari icon is one of the favourites to double-up in Paris. Following the sensational scenes from Tokyo (where he offered to share the gold medal with Italian Gianmarco Tamberi), the high jump king (and friend of Esquire) again has his sights on the top-step of the podium, but without Tamberi on it this time. In Paris the world awaits to see if Barshim can cement his legacy as the greatest high jumper of all time.
Julyana Al-Sadeq
Taekwondo (Jordan)
Jordan’s Taekwondo star Al-Sadeq has the top step of the podium in her sights at this summer’s Games. The 29-year-old, seasoned competitor arrives in Paris hungry for that elusive Olympic gold to go along with the Asian Games gold, World Championship silver, and the number one world-ranking that she already possesses. Having broken barriers for Arab women in taekwondo, Al-Sadeq is no stranger to pressure. Her strategic mind and relentless attacks have Jordan’s sports fans holding their breath. Can she become the nation’s first Olympic taekwondo medalist? Paris awaits her whirlwind of kicks.
Marwan El Kamash
Swimming (Egypt)
Egyptian veteran Marwan El Kamash returns to the Olympic stage in Paris, aiming to make history. The 30-year-old distance freestyle specialist boasts a decorated career, including multiple African Games gold medals and Egyptian national records. Known for his relentless pursuit of improvement, El Kamash recently dominated the 400m and 1500m freestyle at the African Games. Can he translate his continental dominance to a podium finish in Paris? All eyes will be on El Kamash as he strives to become the first Egyptian swimmer to reach an Olympic swimming final.
Ray Bassil
Trap Shooting (Lebanon)
From defying stereotypes to defying limitations, Bassil, Lebanon’s trap shooting queen, arrives in Paris with fire in her eyes. A two-time Olympian and reigning Asian Champion, Bassil isn’t afraid of pressure. Known for her laser focus honed through lockdown training in unconventional spaces, she’s a mental warrior. This 35-year-old aims to shatter another barrier: becoming the first Lebanese athlete to win an Olympic medal since 1980. Watch out Paris, Bassil’s steely resolve is a force to be reckoned with.
Ramzi Boukhiam
Surfing (Morocco)
Last time out in Tokyo, Boukhiam became the first (and only) Arab to compete in Olympic surfing, however, since then he has gone on to establish himself as one of the best surfers in the world – and this season he’s hitting the form of his life. Having won a silver medal at the ISA World Surfing Games in Puerto Rico in March, and then followed it up at the Tahiti Pro, riding a rare 9.8 wave to beat the G.O.A.T Kelly Slater, Boukhiam is peaking at just the right time. Oh, it also helps that the wave in Tahiti (where the surfing will be held, not in Paris!) just happens to be Boukhiam’s favourite wave.
Alaa Maso
Swimming (Refugee Olympic Team)
Originally from Aleppo, the 24-year-old Refugee Olympic Team swimmer started training at an early age thanks to his swimming coach father. Having left Syria in 2015 after his training facilities were damaged in the conflict, Maso never abandoned his aquatic dreams. Following a long journey across Europe, he settled in Germany and began training, eventually competing the Tokyo Olympics 2020 in the 50m freestyle. After competing at the Olympic Games, his relentless spirit and powerful strokes inspired displaced athletes worldwide, with all willing him (and the Refugee Team) on to the Olympic medal podium.
Yousef Masrahi
400m runner (Saudi Arabia)
In one of Saudi sport’s great comeback stories, the promising sprinter’s career was railroaded when a failed drugs test banned him from competing for four years. However, once he was persuaded to return to athletics, he shocked the sports community (and himself!) by winning gold at the Asian Games in 2022. That victory ensured that the Asian record holder will compete in his first Olympic Games, capping of a fitting redemption story.
Safiya Al-Sayegh
Cyclist (UAE)
The 22-year-old Emirati is the definition of a trailblazer. As she takes her place on the starting line of the 158km Women Elite Road Race in Paris, she will become the first female cyclist from the UAE to compete at an Olympic Games, and the second ever sportswoman in the history of the country. While she is not expecting to challenge for the medals, this is just the start for Al-Sayegh and the sport of cycling in the UAE.