With several medal-winning shows already making 2022 one of her career best years, para athlete Siham Masoud Al-Rasheedy wants to cap the year on a high with a good performance at the IWAS World Games in Portugal next month.
Al-Rasheedy clinched 10 medals in 2022 so far including four gold in women’s discus and javelin F57 events – one in Brno Mayor’s Cup in the Czech Republic, one in Ostrava Cup and two gold at the last month’s Marrakech 2022 World Para Athletics Grand Prix. She also picked up three silver medals (discus, javelin, and shot-put events) at the 3rd West Asia Para Games in Bahrain 2022.
The two-time Paralympian from UAE has already set her eyes now on the next season and wants to continue the momentum into the packed year which has several significant events including the Paris 2023 World Para Athletics Championships and Asian Para Games in Hangzhou.
“2022 has been a good year for me. The results have been satisfying and I have more trust in myself now. The target now is to do well at the IWAS World Games to end the year well. The next year will be very important ad I am looking for some good finish at both the Worlds and Asian Para Games.
“The first step will be qualifying for the World Championships. I am looking to attain 28 metres in the Fazza-Dubai 2023 Grand Prix,” Al Rasheedy said in an interview.
She further emphasised the work on her technique and speed during the month-long training camp in Poland, ahead of the Marrakech GP. “The training was very fruitful.”
“With our new coach Nejib (Mechkane), I have an improved technique and I am feeling confident about it. I hope I can break my personal best of 26.98m (achieved at Dubai 2019 Worlds) in women’s discus throw at next year’s Fazza event,” said the discus thrower, also a member of Asian Paralympic Committee’s Athletes Committee.
Amazing support structure
The para-athlete also highlighted UAE’s and Dubai Club’s role in her career. “Whatever I have achieved in my Para athletics career, she owes everything to the Club.”
“The support structure for the People of Determination in the UAE has been amazing. I still remember the visits of our leaderships H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, and H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasmi, Ruler of Sharjah, to the Games Village to Rio 2012 Paralympic Games. It came as a big motivation for the entire team.
“I want to keep pushing and make a mark for myself and for all UAE women para-athletes in sports. I want to use this opportunity to make my family and my nation proud,” concluded Al Rasheedy hopeful of competing in her third Paralympics at Paris 2024.
