Dr. Dina Ahmed Altayeb stands as an example of brilliance and inspiration with her journey from a young sports enthusiast to becoming the first Saudi to complete an Ironman race. Being a leading periodontist and implantologist with a career spanning over two decades, Dina is not only a founding partner and medical director of Dentalia Dental Clinics but also a groundbreaker in the world of triathlon.
Dina’s passion for sports started in her childhood. She highlighted that sports were a central part of her family life, with her mother helping as a key influence. Dina’s mom was a runner in school, and from an early age, Dina would sit next to her and try to impersonate her workout moves. This led Dina to learn Taekwondo, play tennis, and ride horses, while her mom supported her by attending all her after-school practices.
Despite her love for sports, Dina’s primary dream was to become a dentist. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Dental Medicine and Surgery from King Abdulaziz University, followed by a clinical certification in periodontology and a Master of Science from Tufts University, USA. “My dream was to be a dentist, and I studied hard to be the top of my class. However, sports remained a significant part of my life, teaching me the importance of discipline and balance from an early age. It was my enjoyment and a social activity that I looked forward to,” she said.
During her postgraduate dental studies in the US, Dina sought a way to recharge and balance her demanding academic life. She turned to running and outdoor biking, eventually participating in a duathlon event. This experience further infused a deep connection with triathlon, seamlessly integrating into her life and helping her become the first Saudi triathlete.
Participating in various running and biking events, she found a sense of community and a new challenge in triathlon. “I loved having a challenge and pushing myself to achieve it,” Dina continued. “It helped me in getting a fresh mind for studying, being a better mom to raise my kids, and feeling healthy and strong.” This attitude of pushing her limits led her to the Ironman triathlon, an exhausting race consisting of a 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike ride, and 42 km run. This ultimately became Dina’s challenge.
“The impossible always attracts me,” she said. Preparing for her first Ironman race in Canada took around 9-12 months of rigorous training, testing her physical, mental, and emotional strength. “These kind of race is a lifechanging task as it takes between 8-17 hours to complete the race,” she added.
Dina faced numerous challenges as the only person in Saudi Arabia training for an Ironman at the time. Nevertheless her biggest challenge was figuring out the right training methods and techniques. Despite training alone and relying on trial and error, her unwavering determination helped her navigate these obstacles and achieve her goals.
Since her first Ironman race, Dina has completed 21 full Ironman races and over 100 races in 20 years. She holds the distinction of being the first Arab female and Saudi national to qualify and complete the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii in 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023. “It filled me with a sense of blessing, pride, hope, and joy,” she stated. “I had tears of joy and kept on looking around me to see if I was dreaming.” Dina is also the first Saudi to qualify and compete in the half Ironman championship in multiple years, including 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Her achievements have set a precedent for Saudi women in sports.
Speaking about her typical training day, she explained that it involves a structured routine starting with meditation and prayers, followed by workouts and professional responsibilities. Dina looks up to Jan Frodeno, a German triathlete renowned for his high work ethics and humility. She admires his unparalleled achievements in the sport, his approachable nature, and the widespread respect he commands.
In addition to her athletic pursuits, Dina has made significant contributions to the field of dentistry. She served as an assistant professor at King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Dentistry until 2017, and as a visiting instructor at Tufts University, Faculty of Dentistry. Dina is also a trustee and a member of the dental board of advisors at Tufts University, the first Saudi woman to serve in such a role at an American university.
Balancing her roles as a triathlete, doctor, mother, and founding board member of the Saudi Triathlon Federation requires meticulous time management. Commenting on it she said, “Balance is an art. Prioritizing family, planning my days, and remaining adaptable have been key to managing my responsibilities and excelling in my sport. My most important role is being a mother. Then time management became a skill that I needed to master.”
Dina credits her family’s unwavering support as a crucial factor in her success. “My kids used to come to my races. While I was racing, they would paint signs that brought joy to my heart and helped me cross the finish line.”
Dina’s future goals include continuing to compete in triathlons while maintaining a healthy balance between training, work, and family. She is passionate about promoting sports among Saudi men and women and mentoring aspiring athletes. “My vision is to share my experiences and help others excel in athletics,” she said.
“There has never been a better time to be a Saudi athletes. There is support on multiple levels. The government is allocating resources to help scout athletes and develop them. If you have a dream, reach out to the respective federation and they will support. I hope that my journey inspires others to pursue their passion, no matter how long it takes or how difficult the path may be.”
Her journey from a young sports enthusiast to a pioneering triathlete and valued periodontist is an inspiration to many, proving the limitless potential of those who dare to dream. “When we can unlock that power, the impossible can be achieved,” Dina concludes.
