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Nothing is impossible as long as we strive to achieve happiness. This was the message given by three inspiring women athletes of determination at the triathlon panel held at the Dubai Ladies Club. The event was organised to announce the second edition of Dubai Women's Triathlon to be held on November 9.
The women panellists included Dareen Barbar, motivational speaker and aspiring athlete who lost her leg to bone cancer when she was a teenager; Shaikha Al Shaiba, a Bahraini athlete who lost her arm to bone cancer when she was just one year old known as 'Iron Lady'; and Zainab Aleqabi, a social media influencer who lost her left leg at age seven when a bomb went off in her house in Baghdad and a participant in the first edition of the triathlon.
Dareen Barbar (left), Shaikha Al Shaiba (centre), Zainab Al Eqabi (right)
The women highlighted their passion for fitness and shared their experiences in order to encourage all women to participate in the second edition of the triathlon and to commit to a healthy, active lifestyle. The event was organised by the Dubai Ladies Club to spread awareness about the competition and encourage the participation of women of all walks of life.
Lamia Abdulaziz Khan, director of Dubai Ladies Club, said: "The session acquainted attendees with the competitions routes, timings and components. It also provided them with the opportunity to gain inspiration from people of determination who have forged their own fitness journeys and excelled in doing so.
Their experiences should encourage all women to participate in the second edition of the Dubai Women's Triathlon and to commit to a healthy, active lifestyle."
Dareen Barbar
Being the first Arab amputee woman to be participating in the triathlon, Dareen Barbar highlighted her passion for fitness and her participation in internationally renowned competitions. She is keen to maintain a balance between her dedication to her fitness journey and her commitments as both a mother and wife.
Talking about the turning point in her life, Barbar said: "After delivering my second child, I became overweight and one day slipped and broke my hip bone. That was a turning point in my life. It made me realise I had neglected myself of things that don't take much time and would actually help me take better care of my family - like eating healthy and exercising. The effect it had on my life was amazing. I was happier, more confident, I loved myself and I decided to maintain this. My doctor told me, that I should live a life like an athlete to live a longer, healthier and more active life. And maintaining this lifestyle also helped me take care of my children better."
Urging people to get into shape, Barbar, who has been preparing for the triathlon since June, said: "Get up and move. There are no excuses for you. Step out of your comfort zone and experience your abilities that you may not have explored. Invest in your body, in yourself."
Shaikha Al Shaiba
Referring to her commitment to participate in the upcoming triathlon, Saudi athlete Shaikha Al Shaiba said: "I was keen to come to the UAE from Bahrain, specifically for the Dubai Women's Triathlon. I believe that it is a pivotal event that has initiated a change in women's fitness journey in the region. Participating in such competitions strengthens my confidence in my abilities and the belief that despite my disability, my body harbours unparalleled strength."
Shaikha, who is the brand ambassador for Spartan race in Bahrain and has completed half iron-man triathlon, spoke on the importance of encouraging women to always challenge themselves.
She said: "I only challenge myself. I don't compete with anyone but my inner self and that's my challenge and my goal. What I value most about my participation in these competitions is the encouragement I offer other women who might be hesitant to test their limits."
She continued: "I hope I serve as a reminder that regardless of what we may lose in life, God provides us with a thousand alternatives. Willpower and true strength are not external; ability is never about appearances. Be your own greatest supporter - step up, move yourself and enjoy the world around you."
Zainab Al Eqabi
UAE resident Zainab Al Eqabi expressed her enthusiasm at participating in the triathlon for the second consecutive year.
"Participating in competitions such as the Dubai Women's Triathlon provides me with the exhilarating motivation to contribute to my community and to prioritise my health and physical wellbeing. Athleticism, fitness and committing to an active and healthy lifestyle are the foundations on which I base the other aspects of my life."
Athleticism, fitness and committing to an active and healthy lifestyle are the foundations on which I base the other aspects of my life."
What, when, where
What: Second Dubai Women's Triathlon
When: Friday, November 9
Where: Dubai Ladies Club
RACES
Super Sprint: 400m swim, 10km cycling, 2.5km run
Sprint: 750m swim, 20km cycling, 5km run
Olympic Distance: 1.5km swim, 40km cycling, 10km run
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