For the first time, a Saudi woman has competed in an Olympic final – a bronze medal match. Dunya Abutaleb, the flag bearer for Saudi Arabia at the opening ceremony, reached the bronze medal match in the taekwondo competition under the Grand Palais’s majestic roof.
In a match filled with intense emotions, Dunya Abutaleb fell short in her bronze medal bout against Iran’s Mobina Nematzadeh.
Although she did not become Saudi Arabia’s first female Olympic medalist, her participation in the -49 kg taekwondo final marked a historic achievement. At 27, Abutaleb became the first Saudi woman to qualify for the Olympics based on merit rather than an invitation, showcasing her skills in an Olympic final after an emotionally charged day.
A day of intense battles
Dunya Abutaleb’s determination was palpable as she fought her way through the rounds. She eliminated Israel’s Avishag Semberg in the round of 16 before facing a tough defeat against reigning Olympic champion Panipak Wongpattanakit from Thailand.
However, due to Wongpattanakit’s advancement to the final, Abutaleb earned a spot in the “repechage” round. She defeated Morocco’s Oumaima El Bouchti, aiming for a place on the podium. But her dream was halted by Iran’s Mobina Nematzadeh, who won the match two rounds to none.
Breaking barriers in Saudi sports
To date, Saudi Arabia has won four Olympic medals, all by male athletes, including two silver and two bronze. Female participation in sports was heavily restricted for decades in the ultra-conservative kingdom. “I used to wear a cap to sneak into sports facilities because girls were not allowed,” Abutaleb revealed to Vogue Arabia, which featured her on their cover. “When they found out and denied me entry, I continued training at home with my brother’s coach.”
Despite these challenges, Abutaleb’s passion for taekwondo remained unwavering. “I cried more than I laughed. I was miserable every day. I lost more often than I won,” she recounted. Since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s rise in 2017, significant strides have been made, though barriers remain. Saudi women can now drive, are encouraged to work, and investments have been made in developing a women’s football team.
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A symbol of progress
Dunya Abutaleb’s journey benefited from these progressive changes. In 2022, she won bronze at the Asian Championships in the under 53 kg category and at the World Championships in the under 49 kg category. Two years later, she clinched gold at the Asian Championships in the under 53 kg category, securing her qualification for the Paris Olympics.
Chosen as the flag bearer alongside Saudi equestrian Ramzy al-Duhami at the opening ceremony, Abutaleb’s journey in the taekwondo tournament was supported by an entire team and numerous Saudi fans cheering from the stands.
A beacon of hope
Though she did not win the coveted medal, her presence in Paris signifies a monumental step for Saudi women in sports. “When I succeed in my sport, it is not just for me but for all of Saudi Arabia,” she emphasised to Vogue. Abutaleb looks forward to another chance to reach the podium at the Los Angeles Olympics in four years, determined to make history for her country.
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Read also: Donia Abu Talib: shattering barriers and inspiring Saudi women at Paris 2024
