RIYADH, October 6, 2024 - Sharaf Majid Al-Ja’id, 15 years old, considers sports an essential part of her family, and it was one of the main reasons they were kept away from phones and social media. She wants to be an athlete. She began practicing sports at the age of 13, influenced by her older sister, Aroub, who is 21 years old and started riding horses due to her passion for them since childhood, later turning professional. Sharaf and her younger sister, Nariman, entered the world of equestrianism, but neither found themselves in that sport. One day, a family relative spoke to Sharaf’s mother about fencing and suggested that Sharaf and Nariman start practicing.

ADRENALINE BOOST – During Sharaf’s first experience, she felt afraid and tense from the sounds of the swords, as she thought the sword was real. However, over time she began to let go of equestrianism in favour of fencing. She loved the sport right away because of the atmosphere the tension for the competition. Sharaf says “I can’t give up fencing like I did with horses, the adrenaline is at its peak at all times.”

Sharaf emphasizes how her mother’s support - for her and her sisters in all aspects of life, has had a significant impact on her dedication to fencing.

“My mother’s efforts are invaluable.”

Sharaf recalls the sadness of her first tournament, when she did not advance. 

In the next tournament she came in second place. Then, less than one year ago, she was called by the national team: “One of the best feelings I have ever had in my career.” 

She now aims for her second goal: participating in world championships. 

“I aspire to be an international athlete and I working hard for that.” 

Sharaf had to face some challenges, especially when she had to cope with bullying by her teammates, receiving little support from the club. But even navigating some lack of financial support, Sharaf remains committed: “My perspective on life is about  fencing. I focus on progress and nothing else matters.”

Her mother takes her to training after finishing work and keeps track of match schedules, even if the competition is in another city, for which she books the tickets herself. 

Once, Sharaf wanted to quit the sport due to difficult circumstances, but thanks to her mother’s encouragement, she participated in the Saudi Games 2023. Despite injuring her knee, she secured third place. 

“Every time I win a medal I make sure my mother wears it before I do.” 

In this edition of the games, she carried the torch, which gave her more motivation and drive.

QUEEN OF THE PISTE - Nariman, 19 years old, studies chemistry and has a serious personality in university, but once she puts on her fencing gear, she transforms. She describes herself as the “Queen of the Piste”. She considers her mother a source of safety and strength during training and competitions and confirms that the support of family and friends has been crucial to her progress. Nariman started practicing fencing two years ago and aspires to join the national team to establish herself. In addition to that she is planning of creating her own academy to train youth in Saudi Arabia.

“The dream may seem far, but this what I want for my future,” she says. She hopes for to make fencing more popular, despite as some people in the country consider it a risky sport for injuries. She also hopes Saudi will be able to attract more qualified coaches, while providing dedicated training spaces.

Despite the obstacles, Nariman remains very committed: “Sometimes you may also suffer unfair judging, but the emotions I feel when I win but also when I loose, are engraved in my memory. I believe If I hadn’t been in fencing, I’d have chosen martial arts, that choice would represents who I am.”