• Abutaleb has previously earned a bronze medal at the World Championships and achieved a career-high global ranking of No. 4

Arab News

PARIS: In an exciting turn of events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, a 27-year-old from Riyadh is on the verge of becoming Saudi Arabia’s first female medalist.

Dunya Abutaleb has already made headlines as the first Saudi woman to qualify for the Olympics on merit, without the need for a wildcard invitation. With her impressive record and remarkable performance so far, she is a strong contender to become the Kingdom’s first female Olympic medalist in the women’s -49kg taekwondo competition.

A seasoned athlete in her weight class, Abutaleb has previously earned a bronze medal at the World Championships and achieved a career-high global ranking of No. 4. Her journey to Paris has been marked by relentless dedication and preparation.

In her first bout at the Games, Abutaleb faced off against Israel’s Abishag Semberg. Demonstrating tactical precision and resilience, she secured a decisive victory that advanced her to the quarterfinals. The win not only showcased her technical prowess but also underscored her readiness for the high-stakes competition.

The quarterfinals will present a formidable challenge for Abutaleb. She will compete against some of the best athletes in her category, including Panipak Wongpattanakit, the reigning Olympic -49kg champion, and Adriana Cerezo Iglesias, the Spanish world No. 1 and Tokyo silver medalist.

All eyes will be on Abutaleb as the competition progresses. Her performance to date has captured the imagination of sports enthusiasts and elevated her as a symbol of progress and achievement in the Kingdom. Her potential to secure a historic medal represents not only a personal triumph but also a groundbreaking moment for Saudi sports.