17-year-old represented UAE in 100m sprint at 2024 Olympics in Paris

As the UAE celebrates Emirati Women’s Day on August 28, 17-year-old Maryam Al Farsi stands out as a shining example of perseverance, ambition, and inspiration.

- BY A.K.S. SATISH

The young sprinter, who represented the UAE in the 100-metre sprint at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, has already carved a place for herself on the world stage, all while balancing academics and the dreams of countless young girls back home.

Maryam’s journey in athletics began almost by chance. “I did so many sports like netball and rugby. But I slowly got into sprinting because I realised I was fast,” she recalls. Joining AIS and training alongside dedicated coaches and teammates, she discovered not just her talent, but a deep love for the sport. “I didn’t think I was going to get anywhere at first, but then I thought, why not give it a go seriously?”