Destination KSA - Your Guide to Saudi

Destination KSA - Your Guide to Saudi

Dr. Dina Altayeb’s Journey from the Saudi Desert to Ironman Glory

Dr. Dina Altayeb’s Journey from the Saudi Desert to Ironman Glory

Few achievements resonate as profoundly in the realm of endurance sports as completing an Ironman triathlon. For Dr. Dina Altayeb, this monumental feat represents not only a personal triumph but also a significant stride for women in sports. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, resilience, and the power of dreams.

“As a child, I grew up loving the outdoors and participating in various fun sports inspired by my mom, a runner,” she recalls. “I loved waking up early on weekends to go horseback riding. This was my ideal fun weekend.” These early experiences in horse riding, tennis, and running laid the foundation for her approach to endurance sports, eventually leading her to triathlons.

Balancing her professional life as a full-time periodontist and her responsibilities as a mother of three with a rigorous training schedule was no easy feat. Dr. Altayeb emphasized the importance of setting priorities and planning her days meticulously. “In life, we can’t be everything at the same time. To achieve balance, we need to set priorities. Family always comes first,” she explains. “I plan my days, focusing on what must be done today and being present in what I am doing. This formula has worked for me.”

Her family, especially her children, played a crucial role in supporting her journey. They were her biggest cheerleaders, attending her races with banners and enthusiastic cheers. “My family and kids are my biggest support and cheerleaders. They always came to my races, cheering, screaming, and drawing big banners with my name, ‘Go, mama, go!‘” She highlighted the importance of a solid support system, including coaches, parents, family, and friends, all of whom contributed to her success.

Her first triathlon in 2002 presented numerous challenges. The sport was relatively unknown in the Middle East at the time, and there were very few athletes participating. Despite these obstacles, she persevered. “My biggest challenge was accessibility to proper coaching, facilities, and community. I started triathlon 21 years ago when the sport was new in the Middle East. Today, we have one of the largest growing communities of triathlon,” she reflects. “We need each other’s support to excel in sports.”

Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Altayeb noted the remarkable evolution of the sports realm in Saudi Arabia. Today, athletes benefit from massive government support, improved facilities, coaching, and a passionate community that motivates each other to achieve their best. “The biggest advantage athletes have today is the massive support from the government,” she notes. “The presence of a community sharing the same passion for a sport is crucial for achieving consistency in training and motivating each other.”

As a member of the Saudi Triathlon Federation, Dr. Altayeb is honored to be part of the exciting developments in the sport. “Being part of the Saudi Triathlon Federation is an honor and an exciting responsibility. Watching the development of youth athletes and overseeing their journey to becoming future Olympians is thrilling,” she says. “The sky is the limit, and I am confident we will see more Saudi athletes competing on multiple international levels.”

Throughout her career, Dr. Altayeb has learned invaluable lessons about perseverance, resilience, and the importance of setting high goals. She makes it a habit to reflect on each race, identifying areas for improvement while enjoying the journey and being grateful for her support system. “It’s essential to pause and reflect. After each race, I consider what went right and what can be improved,” she explains. “The most important lesson I’ve learned is to enjoy the journey, be present in what I do, and be grateful for the support system around me.”

Mentors and positive influences have played a significant role in her life, shaping her approach to athletic and professional endeavors. “I learned from everyone who crossed my path. I focus on the positive aspects they bring into my life. Even through failures, I find positive points to carry forward,” she says. “It’s crucial not to dwell on the negative but to focus on the light and move forward.”

Dr. Altayeb’s message to aspiring athletes and professionals is simple yet profound: “Dream, believe, work hard, and have gratitude.” Her story powerfully reminds us of the boundless possibilities within each of us when we dare to dream and work tirelessly toward our goals.


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