Sharifa AlSudairi is a Saudi athlete who has made history as the first woman from her country to represent Saudi Arabia in skiing. Her journey began two years ago when she decided to train for races, and since then, she has competed in numerous events across Switzerland, France, Italy and Dubai. Sharifa is focused on gaining experience and collecting points, which are crucial for improving her ranking in the ski sport as well as savouring the journey of skiing.
Her dedication to skiing extends beyond mere athletic success and the never give up attitude has made her a role model for Arab women, encouraging them to chase their dreams with firm determination.
Raised in the coastal city of Jeddah, Sharifa’s love for sports was cultivated from a young age. She fondly recalls her father encouraging her and her siblings to engage in various outdoor activities, from tennis to skiing. “As a family, we were always very active. My father encouraged us to be outdoors, whether on the sea, the sand, a tennis court, or on snow,” she said.
This early exposure laid the foundation for Sharifa’s lifelong passion for sports. After her college years, Sharifa’s adventures took her to the slopes, where she explored various skiing disciplines, including mountaineering, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding. “Being outdoors was really special for me. I was present in the magnificent mountain and it humbled me. There are so many disciplines in skiing, so many different ways of doing it, and I was very much interested in exploring them,” she added.
In more recent years, Sharifa’s interest shifted towards ski racing. “Ski racing is not casually going down the mountain, but going fastest down the slope. It intrigued me as I didn’t explore this before, and I wanted to try.” This new pursuit demanded intense training and focus. Sharifa joined ski clubs, participated in races, and improved her skills under race instructors at Swiss ski resorts. “The intense and challenging training regimen required commitment, grit, and continuously reminding yourself why you’re doing this,” she reflects. The transition from recreational skier to professional competitor was a demanding one, but Sharifa’s determination and passion fueled her journey.
She fondly remembers her time in boarding school in Switzerland, where team sports fostered friendships and a love for camaraderie. “Boarding school was all about team sports, which I loved because it was a way to spend time with friends doing things I truly loved,” she adds.
Sharifa’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. A serious injury forced her to confront a new kind of adversity. “My injury was a mental hurdle as much as a physical one. I was on a roll, and then, boom—everything changed. Crutches, no walking, the whole thing. But I pushed myself, spent the summer undergoing intensive rehabilitation, and now I’m back, and I want to ski more than ever.”
Looking ahead, Sharifa is focused on a step-by-step approach to her career. “It’s really a combination of small events, each one giving me a little more confidence to do the next one,” she said. Her aspirations include continuing to excel in skiing and finding ways to inspire and support other young Saudis in pursuing their sporting dreams.
As the first Saudi woman to represent the Kingdom in Alpine skiing, Sharifa feels “lucky, humbled, and super grateful.” She is proud to be part of a movement that places women at the center stage in Saudi Arabia, describing it as “one of the greatest opportunities and privileges anyone could ever wish for.”
Sharifa’s advice to young Saudi women and girls is to “know what you want and stay committed, work hard, and don’t let the tough moments stop you from pursuing your passion.” As Saudi Arabia continues to promote sport for all and host major international events, Sharifa sees her role as an ambassador for the country, raising the profile of local talent on the international stage.
Reflecting on the changing cultural perceptions of women in sports in Saudi Arabia, Sharifa acknowledges the progress made but notes that there is still more work to be done. “The country has come a long way, and there’s a huge amount of support and pride for women in sports,” she said.
For Sharifa, skiing is a source of fun, joy, and fulfillment, both personally and professionally. Her typical training day starts with a morning routine, followed by intensive training sessions. Balancing skiing with other aspects of her life, including her roles as a mother and wife, is a continuous learning process.
Her past season, spanning from November to April, has been a success and looking to the future, Sharifa has her sights set on participating in the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics 2024.
Sharifa’s journey has been profoundly shaped by a strong support system, with key figures like Princess Reema bint Bandar playing instrumental roles in her career, providing mentorship and valuable insights. Sharifa’s personal motto, “Live life as if it was rigged in your favor,” encapsulates her positive outlook and determination.
In her message to Womenpreneur readers and women globally, Sharifa encourages them to “embrace your passion, break boundaries, and pursue your dreams fearlessly. My journey is a testament to the power of determination and perseverance, and I hope it inspires others to strive for a brighter future.”
