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You don't have to be a man to be champion

Abu Dhabi - Shaikha Al Qassemi says fitness industry is dynamic in the UAE, the role of women in the sport field is yet to be in centre stage.

It's no longer a social norm that only men can become champions. And here in the UAE, women are beginning to prove that they can be as tough as men.
One among them is Shaikha Al Qassemi, who began to pursue her dream as a leader in the world of the competitive fitness sport, Crossfit.
"I pursued my athletic career when I realised that sitting in an office day in and day out is not what I want to do with my life," she told Khaleej Times.
The 27-year-old Emirati woman pointed out that it was in fact the traumatic experience of a car accident, which led her to start her own journey in the fitness industry, back in 2013.
"I found my passion and began chasing my dream to compete locally and internationally. I started up an Instagram (Kikiforcrossfit, which currently has almost 12,000 followers), when I was recovering."
"I wanted to inspire my followers that impossible is nothing," she added. After her road to recovery, Al Qassemi began to taking part in competitions.
"Everyone in the Crossfit community in the UAE and internationally inspire me everyday. Some have full time jobs and train for hours, stick to a strict diet and schedule all year round, and if they are capable and willing, then I am too."
She noted that although the fitness industry is dynamic in the UAE, the role of women in the sport field is yet to be in centre stage.
"There wasn't a strong local female competing in any arena to look up to as a role model for me. This is when I decided to be a positive and strong role model, a model that current and future athletic women can look up to and be inspired by."
Al Qassemi, who has received her education in Public Relations and Advertising, pointed out that creating greater awareness on health and fitness is vital.
She noted that it's crucial for every individual to find his passion and transform it into a career.
From sitting behind a desk to becoming an athletic woman, Al Qassemi, who is planning to open her own Crossfit Box, will compete on an international level next year.
Being an encouragement for other Emirati women is something she strives to achieve.
Although it is often difficult for women to take a role in the competitive sport field, proving that athletes don't necessarily have to be based on one's gender is thus imperative, she added.
However, "stay close to those who support you and stay away from those who try to bring you down," she said, adding that, "chasing your dream will only lead you towards great success."
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com