UAE cyclist Safiya Al Saigh ended her involvement in the 158-km road race event at the Paris Olympics on Sunday. A total of 96 cyclists participated in the race, but Al Saigh did not manage to complete the challenging race, according to the UAE National Olympic Committee. Al Saigh aimed to finish the race and secure a positive outcome. She expressed her joy at being part of the Olympics after making considerable efforts during the race. She also thanked the UAE Cycling Federation and the Emirates Holdings (ADQ) team for their substantial support over the past period.
"I am thrilled with my debut in the Olympic Games, which involved extensive preparations and rigorous training efforts. Since my qualification was confirmed, I was resolute to perform my best in the Olympic event, as it is the most significant and largest multi-sport event globally, occurring every four years," Al Saigh stated. "Competing here demands a high level of readiness, particularly given the number of seasoned athletes in this sport, especially in the road race, who competed fiercely and produced remarkable performances and results."
Al Saigh also highlighted her success in recent years in altering the perception that Olympic competition and qualification are exclusive to athletes from certain countries. "I was elated to reach the Paris Olympics, crowning my efforts with this achievement and demonstrating that athletes from the Arab world can compete and qualify for the biggest sporting events," she said. "It is not confined to specific countries, despite the strong presence of experienced cyclists. Every athlete encounters tough times, but with determination and perseverance, we strive to enhance our performance and achieve better results. The field remains open for more successes in the coming years."
The young cyclist also expressed gratitude to her family and the Dubai Sports Council for their support. "I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to my family for their constant encouragement and support," she said. "They are the driving force behind my achievements in cycling and my recent appointment to the Dubai Sports Council membership, which is a matter of pride. I hope to contribute to the advancement of sports and gain from diverse experiences as an athlete and in various aspects of sports work in general."
In the meantime, the UAE show jumping team is set to compete on Monday in the individual event at the Palace of Versailles. The individual competition will feature 75 riders, with the top 30 progressing to the final stage based on the number of faults and recorded times.
