A NEW GENERATION OF TRAILBLAZERS

Youth Olympic swimmer

Sixteen year old Lara al Yafei made history as the first-ever Omani girl swimmer at the Summer Youth Olympic Games.

“When I was competing in the games, it was a surreal experience. I felt nervous yet excited and it was the best feeling just being there amongst the best and strongest athletes in the world. I’ve been swimming for the past 11 years and, of course, I love swimming but it takes a lot of dedication and hard work to get somewhere. I’ve to wake up early in the morning and train while everyone else is sleeping everyday, eat healthy, and to top all, even keep up with my lessons and responsibilities. It’s been a long journey but I feel I’m getting my reward finally. After competing in the Youth Olympics, my passion has increased tremendously. I feel like I can do anything I set my mind to. After talking to the best athletes in the world, I realised I am much more hungry to achieve more and fulfil my potential. I want to train harder and do more. There are still lots of ‘glass ceilings’ that we young Omani women have to break, but I’m hopeful that we’ll get there, one by one. The main thing is to support each other when things get tough or when society places barriers in our way. We can and we will do it! I hope everyone out there, especially the young girls, know that there’s no limit to achieving your dreams.