2025-07-01T11:37:00Z

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Kariman Abuljadayel, a pioneering Saudi sprinter, credits her mother, Suraya AlShehry, for instilling in her the drive to chase after her dreams, even when the path was uncertain. Abuljadayel reflects on her mother’s influence, stating, “This type of mentality came from my mother. She is a trailblazer in her own field. She's a writer, and it was very difficult for her when she started as well. So she knows what it means to struggle, but she also knows what it means to be successful.” This strong familial support has been a cornerstone of Abuljadayel’s journey.

When Abuljadayel expressed her ambition of becoming a sprinter, her mother responded not with skepticism but with encouragement. “When I told her about my dream, instead of saying, ‘No, you can't do it, because no one ever has done it before’, she actually told me, ‘Yes, no one has done it before, but you can be the first.’” This perspective transformed what could have been a discouraging situation into a motivating challenge. Rather than viewing her status as the only female sprinter from Saudi Arabia as a burden, Abuljadayel embraced it as a unique opportunity to carve out a legacy for future generations of female athletes.

However, the road to success was fraught with difficulties. Abuljadayel recalls the early challenges she faced, stating, “When I first started, there was basically no road. When they say pave the road, I think I carved my road because it was really hard.” The lack of a structured environment for training and competition in Saudi Arabia meant that she had to wear multiple hats during her journey—acting not only as an athlete but also as her own coach, nutritionist, and mentor. This multifaceted role proved to be overwhelming at times but ultimately strengthened her resilience.

Recognizing the need for a more supportive environment to fulfill her athletic aspirations, Abuljadayel made a significant decision to further her education at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. She found that the university's track and field program was instrumental in helping her to bridge the gap and catch up to her global counterparts. This move not only advanced her athletic skills but also placed her in a nurturing environment where she could thrive and develop her potential to the fullest.