Recorded at the Aramco Championship, part of the PIF Global Series at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas, this episode features one of the most consistent and respected players in the game, Carlota Ciganda.

With 11 professional wins across the LPGA and LET, two Solheim Cup wins and seven appearances, and over 15 years on tour, Carlota shares a candid look at what it really takes to compete at the highest level in golf today.

From navigating one of the toughest courses in the world to the mental discipline required to stay present shot after shot, this is a conversation that goes deep into the realities of elite performance. Carlota reflects on starting the game at just five years old, finding her path through the U.S. college system, and building a career defined by consistency, resilience, and a love of the challenge.

She also opens up about life on tour, the loneliness, the routines, and the importance of having the right team and environment around you, as well as how the women’s game has evolved into a more athletic, data-driven, and competitive landscape.

We also touch on the growing investment in women’s golf, including the impact of PIF and Golf Saudi, and what that means not just for the sport, but for the next generation of players coming through.

Carlota shares her approach to mindset, from working with a mental coach to staying focused in an increasingly noisy, social media-driven world, and why the difference at the top ultimately comes down to the mind.

She reflects on career highlights, including her Solheim Cup win in Spain, and looks ahead to what’s next - with one clear goal still in sight: winning a major.

And at the heart of it all is a simple truth that defines her approach to the game, if it’s easy, it’s not worth chasing.

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
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Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guest: Carlota Ciganda
• Editor: Diya Vergis
• Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Dawn

What do you do when you get a call telling you you're going to the Olympics… with six weeks to go?

For 18-year-old Emirati swimmer Maha Alshehhi, you put your head down, block out the noise, and mentally break a 200m freestyle into a ‘grocery run’.

Host Dawn Barnable sat down with Maha to trace her journey from beach fun to the pool lanes of Paris 2024 - four years ahead of schedule. Maha opens up about growing up as one of three sisters all representing the UAE National Team (yes, including a twin), and the habits that got her through one of the most electric sporting arenas on the planet.

We also get into the bigger picture: what it means to be a pioneer for Emirati women in open-water swimming, the surge of female swimmers now emerging from the GCC, and why LA 2028 - with all three Alshehhi sisters on the start line is very much the goal.

Follow Maha on Instagram: @mahaalshehhii

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset

1. 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
2. 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
3. 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits:

1. Host: Dawn Barnable
2. Guest: Maha Alshehhi
3. Editor: Diya Vergis
4. Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Dawn

What does life really look like after more than two decades competing at the highest level of professional golf?

Recorded live in Riyadh at the PIF Saudi Ladies International, host Dawn Barnable sits down with Ladies European Tour veteran Marianne Skarpnord to talk about life on tour, the evolution of women’s golf, and what keeps athletes competing year after year.

Marianne reflects on turning professional in 2005, spending as many as 300 days a year on the road, and the mental pressure that comes with competing in one of the world’s most demanding individual sports. She also looks back at one of the biggest moments of her career -defeating Dame Laura Davies in a playoff - and shares how the game has transformed since she first stepped onto tour.

The conversation also explores the rapid rise of women’s golf globally, the impact of events like the PIF Saudi Ladies International, and Marianne’s work as a Golf Saudi ambassador helping inspire the next generation of players in the region.

Along the way, we also get into Norway’s sporting culture, the challenges of life on tour, and why - after more than 20 years in the sport - Marianne’s biggest goal this season is simple: go out, relax, and enjoy playing golf again.

Follow Marianne on Instagram: @mskarpnord

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset

1. 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
2. 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
3. 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits:

1. Host: Dawn Barnable
2. Guest: Marianne Skarpnord
3. Editor: Diya Vergis
4. Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Dawn

How does one of the most followed golfers on the planet handle the grind golf is known for when her life looks like a permanent highlight reel?

To kick off 2026, The Mettleset was live from Riyadh at the PIF Saudi Ladies International. Host Dawn Barnable sits down with LPGA star Muni “Lily” He to talk about the reality of life on tour.

Lily gets real about the mental grit needed to stay at the top, the massive shift in women’s golf prize purses, and how she sets boundaries with 1.3 million followers watching her every move. We also get into her F1 crossover: why she and her fiancé - F1’s Alex Albon - share a sports psychologist, the story behind that Hello Kitty F1 Academy look, and what it’s like when one of the world's best drivers decides to become a "golf WAG" for the weekend.

Follow Lily on Instagram: @lilymhe

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset

1. 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
2. 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
3. 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits:

1. Host: Dawn Barnable
2. Guest: Muni “Lily” He
3. Editor: Diya Vergis
4. Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Dawn

Ever wondered what it feels like to sky surf over Mount Everest or leap from 21,000 feet with nothing but a parachute and your courage? On this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, Olga Naumova - Guinness World Record skydiver, ultra runner, and fitness coach - shares the highs, the fear, and the mental grit that keep her pushing limits.

We dive into what it takes to face fear head-on, chase extreme challenges, and stay mentally and physically unstoppable. From skydiving to ultra-running, Olga reveals how she turns scary moments into life-changing triumphs - lessons every athlete, adventurer, and dreamer can use. 

Follow Olga on Instagram: @skyumka

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
• 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guest: Olga Naumova
• Editor: Diya Vergis 
• Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Dawn

Happy Eid Al Etihad! 🇦🇪

Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast takes us trackside with Maryam Al Farsi, one of the UAE’s youngest Olympians. From picking up sprinting just five years ago to running the 100m at Paris 2024, Maryam’s journey is full of grit, laughs, and a few moments that will make you feel like you’re right there on the starting blocks. She opens up about the ups and downs of training, balancing school and elite sport, breaking personal records, and what it felt like stepping into the Olympic Village surrounded by her heroes.

Whether you’re a sports fan or just love an inspiring story, this episode is packed with honesty, determination, and a glimpse of what it really takes to chase your dreams on the world stage.

Enjoy!

Follow Mariam on Instagram: @maryamalfarsi1

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
• 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn
• 🌐Website: TheMettleset.com 

Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guest: Maryam Al Farsi
• Editor: Diya Vergis 
• Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Dawn

Today, we roll into a story about community, connection, and a love of the game. 🎳

In collaboration with Zayed Sports City, we spotlight the athletes and grassroots groups shaping Abu Dhabi’s women’s and community sports scene. And there’s no better example than the Abu Dhabi Filipino Bowling Club, more than a league for nearly four decades, it’s a second family for generations of Filipinos in the UAE.

Recorded at the Khalifa International Bowling Center at Zayed Sports City, we chat with Sarah Ociones, a long-time resident, former UAE National Team bowler, and central figure in the club. She shares how bowling went from a fun family activity to international competition, how the club has grown, and the ways it brings people together - through tournaments, charity, and sheer love of the game.

Whether you’re a bowler or just curious about how sport creates community, this episode is full of laughter, inspiration, and stories that make Abu Dhabi feel like home.

Full feature linked here. Enjoy!

Follow Abu Dhabi Filipino Bowling Club on Instagram: @adfbc.uae

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
• 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn
• 🌐Website: TheMettleset.com 

Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guest: Sarah Ociones
• Editor: Diya Vergis 
• Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Dawn

One of the biggest myths in sport?

That women experience stress more intensely than men, and cope less effectively.

In this episode recorded live at the Emirates Sports Medicine Conference, sports psychologist and researcher Dr. Mariana Kessler breaks down why that long-held belief simply isn’t true. 

Drawing from years of research into stress, coping, wellbeing, and gender differences in athletes, Dr. Mariana explains what the science actually shows, and why women’s experiences in sport often feel more stressful for reasons that have nothing to do with biology or ability.

She dives into the real issue: the systemic barriers women face every day in sport. From microaggressions to under-representation to male-dominated research frameworks, Dr. Mariana highlights how the environment shapes stress far more than individual traits.

We also unpack the four areas in sport where the gender gap remains most visible, research, representation, media visibility, and funding, and what needs to change to close those gaps.

Follow Dr. Mariana on LinkedIn: Dr. Mariana Kaiseler

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
• 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guest: Dr.Mariana Kaiseler
• Editor: Diya Vergis 
• Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Dawn

This week, we’re joined by Dr. Margo Mountjoy, sports physician, clinical professor at McMaster University, and one of the world’s leading experts on RED‑S - Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport.

Recorded live at the Emirates Sports Medicine Conference, Dr. Mountjoy breaks down what RED‑S really means, how it affects both women and men, and why it often hides in plain sight behind fatigue, injury, or performance dips.

She explains how low energy availability impacts the body, from bone and reproductive health to mental focus, and why recovery starts with something deceptively simple: eating enough to meet your training load.

We also dive into the cultural and psychological layers around food and body image in sport, the importance of educating young and endurance athletes early, and how awareness and individualized care can prevent long-term health consequences.

Beyond physiology, Dr. Mountjoy reflects on gender equity in sport, from medical research to leadership, and her hope for a more inclusive, athlete-centered future.

A must-listen for athletes, coaches, parents, and anyone who believes high performance and health should go hand in hand. 🎧

Follow Dr. Margo on Instagram: @drmargomountjoy

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
• 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guest: Dr.Margo Mountjoy 
• Editor: Diya Vergis 
• Produced by: The Mettleset

This week, we’re turning the mic inward to one of our own, Nourelhoda Arafa, Egyptian national rower and record holder, and Olympic hopeful.

At 13, she picked up rowing for the first time. By 15, she was chasing Olympic dreams. Then came a sudden stop, no boats, no water, no access. For seven years, Nourelhoda couldn’t row outdoors. Most people would’ve given up. She didn’t.

Alongside her longtime coach Motaz, she kept training indoors, building strength, discipline, and belief. That commitment led to Egypt’s first-ever World Indoor Rowing gold medal in 2020, followed by multiple medals on the world stage.

Now, she’s back on the water, training for LA 2028, and sharing what she’s learned along the way, from managing setbacks,rebuilding after illness, learning to listen to her body, and what it means to live up to her name, Nourelhoda, “a guiding light.”

Her story is about what happens when you refuse to give up, and how, sometimes, luck really does chase the ones who keep going. 🎧

Follow Nourelhoda on Instagram: @nourelhoda.arafa

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
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Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guest: Nourelhoda Ara
• Editor: Diya Vergis 
• Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Dawn

We’re taking you straight to Abu Dhabi for a conversation that had everyone talking.

Recorded live at the Sport Industry Forum 2025 (October 1–2, Yas Marina Circuit), this special episode features Alexis Ohanian - entrepreneur, investor, and, as we like to call him, women’s sport’s biggest hype man - in conversation with Chris McHardy, Head of Sport at Dubai Eye 103.8.

The Reddit and 776 co-founder, Angel City FC backer, Chelsea FC Women investor, and founder of Athlos, Ohanian shares why he believes sport is the ultimate “anti-AI bet” - a human story that can’t be automated, commodified, or replicated.

He explains why women’s sport is not a charity play but a massively undervalued asset class, with billion-dollar potential hiding in plain sight. From turning Angel City FC into a $280 million success story to launching a new global track-and-field league built like a tech startup, Ohanian reveals how he’s using data, community, and storytelling to prove the doubters wrong — and why connection, not comparison, is driving the next wave of growth.

As a girl dad and relentless builder, he’s betting on what makes us most human, sport itself.

If you weren’t a believer before, you might just be after this one. 🎧

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
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🎙️ Credits

Host: Dawn Barnable

Speakers: Alexis Ohanian & Chris McHardy

Recorded live at: Sport Industry Forum 2025, Abu Dhabi

Produced by: The Mettleset's Diya Vergis 

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Dawn

In this episode, we head back to Chamonix for Part 2 of our UTMB special with Karis Miriam Brown, former lawyer, podium-finishing ultra trail runner, and certified coach.

This summer, Karis lined up at the CCC 100K, one of UTMB’s toughest races. Her journey is raw and real: battling a meniscus tear, reshaping expectations mid-race, and leaning into the “why” that fuels her training and racing.

Karis also shares:

• Lessons from training with elites on Réunion Island
• How to reset when your race plan falls apart
• Why community, challenge, and her daughters drive her forward

🎧 Inspiring, honest, and packed with takeaways, this is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever dreamed of testing themselves on the trails.

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
• 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guests: Karis Miriam Brown
• Editor: Diya Vergis
• A Production of The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and community sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. We put women in sport first while highlighting niche communities like action and endurance sports.

We hope you enjoy the episode!

- Dawn

In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, we dive into UTMB – Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc, one of the world’s most iconic trail running festivals.

We sat down with three remarkable women from the region who took on the UTMB World Series Finals, sharing their journeys of pushing limits, chasing personal bests, and soaking in the magic of Chamonix.

Featured Athletes:

• Ivana Kolaric – Returned post-pregnancy to finish top 30 and 2nd in her age group at the 61K OCC.
• Fatema Husain – Bahrain’s ultra trailblazer and first GCC woman to complete the 100-mile UTMB, sharing her journey through injury and breathtaking mountain views.
• Sharifah AlQattan – Ultra trail runner, coach, and Boom Ultra Challenge race director, talking mindset, preparation, and the pride of crossing the finish line.

✨ Don’t miss part two featuring Karis M. Brown.

 🎧 Listen to Fatema’s previous episode here.

 🎧 Listen to Ivana’s previous episode here.

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
• 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guests: Ivana Kolaric, Fatema Husain, Sharifah AlQattan
• Editor: Diya Vergis

A Production of The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and community sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. We put women in sport first while highlighting niche communities like action and endurance sports.

We hope you enjoy the episode!

- Dawn

Maria opens up about the influence of her sporting family legacy, the lessons learned as a Division 1 backup goalkeeper, and the moment she rediscovered her love for football in Pakistan. She shares what it’s like to captain the Pakistani national team, navigate setbacks, and build resilience, while highlighting the power of supportive environments, corporate backing, and strong team leadership.

We also dive into the challenges female athletes face around fertility, family planning, and evolving maternity policies, alongside the exciting growth of women’s football and the importance of visibility, advocacy, and creating opportunities for the next generation.

Follow Maria on Instagram: @mariajamilakhan

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter:Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
• 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guest: Maria Khan
• Editor: Diya Vergis
• Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Dawn

At The Mettleset, we exist to celebrate and empower women in sport, and what better occasion than Emirati Women’s Day to spotlight six incredible athletes who embody courage, resilience, and pride.

In this special episode, you’ll hear their journeys: the struggles, the triumphs, and the moments that make them proud to be Emirati women in sport. We asked them to share their biggest accomplishments, and one powerful message for Emirati Women’s Day.

Featured Athletes:

Mariam Bahlooq – Ultra-runner and founder of The Running Society in Abu Dhabi, building a supportive community of women discovering running and the city together.

Areej Al Hammadi – UAE Women’s National Team footballer and two-time Guinness World Record holder.

Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi – 18-year-old adventurer from Abu Dhabi on a mission to climb the Seven Summits after summiting two.

Danah Al Ali – Trailblazing adventurer who made history as the first Emirati to summit Everest and Lhotse within just 24 hours.

Hana Al Nabulsi – Triathlete, the youngest Emirati woman to complete a 70.3 Ironman, and the first to qualify for the Asian Games in triathlon.

Amenah Al Muhairi – At just 17, the UAE’s first snowboarder to compete internationally and the first Emirati woman to represent the nation at the Youth Winter Olympic Games.

These stories remind us that sport is more than competition, it’s about breaking barriers, uplifting others, and leaving a legacy for the next generation.

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset 
• 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guests: Mariam Bahlooq, Areej Al Hammadi, Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi, Danah Al Ali, Hana Al Nabulsi, Amenah Al Muhairi
• Producer, Writer & Editor:  Diya Vergis 
• A Production of The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Dawn

We’re closing out our Summer Series with Melina Timson-Katchis, triathlete and coach, sharing expert advice for experienced athletes stepping into triathlon.

In this episode, Melina dives into the key lessons for transferring your existing athletic skills to triathlon: why the swim is often underestimated, why triathlon should be treated as one continuous sport, and how to balance strengths and weaknesses through focused training blocks. She also explains why consistency beats intensity, how to listen to your body to avoid overtraining, and the small but crucial race-day choices that make a big difference.

From practicing nutrition ahead of time to prioritizing comfort over expensive gear, Melina covers all the essentials to help you perform at your best.

If you missed Part One, go back and start there, then join us as we wrap up the Summer Series with these insights for experienced athletes ready to take their triathlon journey to the next level.

Follow Melina on Instagram:  @tk_melina

 🎧 Listen to Part 1 of this conversation HERE.

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
• 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guest: Melina Timson - Katchus 
• Editor: Diya Vergis 
• Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Dawn

Ever thought about doing a triathlon but didn’t know where to start? In part one of this two-part series, Melina Timson-Katchis, long distance swimmer, triathlete and coach, shares her journey from signing up for a full Ironman on a whim to racing all over the world. Now, she’s helping others step into the sport she loves.

In this episode, Melina breaks down:

• Triathlon distances: From Super Sprint to Ironman, plus a look at ultra & adventure races.
• Getting started: How to prioritize training, plan around your schedule, tackle swimming, and decide whether to build up gradually or dive into a big race.
• The power of coaching: Why guidance can make all the difference.
• Finding your “why”: Staying motivated and making time for rest to avoid burnout.

Whether you’re new to fitness, curious about triathlon, or planning your first race, this episode is packed with practical advice, insights, and inspiration to help you cross the finish line.

Follow Melina on Instagram: @tk_melina 

Listen to Melina’s first appearance on the podcast HERE

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
• 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guest: Melina Timson-Katchis 
• Editor: Diya Vergis 
• Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Dawn

Welcome back to The Mettleset Podcast! In Part 2 of our running episode for the Summer Series, we're pushing past the 5K and exploring the incredible world of long-distance and ultra running with Dr. Sara Talia, a family medicine doctor and New Balance Run Club Doha Coach. 

Dr Sara kicks off by sharing why ultra running is as much a mental game as a physical one, highlighting that your biggest competitor is often yourself. She reveals the two biggest mistakes people make when stepping up their distances – not giving yourself enough time to prepare and building up mileage too quickly, and how to avoid them for a safer, more enjoyable journey.

We dive into the practicalities of going from a 5K to a half-marathon and then a full marathon, discussing realistic timelines and why variety in your training is essential. Sara also breaks down why running injuries happen, focusing on common culprits like overuse and tight muscles, and emphasizes the importance of consistent prehab and smart recovery (yes, sleep is key!).

Plus, if you're eyeing an ultra, Sara explains the key differences in training, especially when it comes to nutrition, hydration, and tackling varied terrain. She wraps up with invaluable advice on overcoming pre-race jitters and trusting your training.

Ready to conquer your next ultra? Listen in now!

Follow Dr. Sara on Instagram: @drtalia_sportsmedicine 

Follow the New Balance Run Club Doha: @nbrc_doha

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
• 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guest: Dr. Sara Talia 
• Editor: Diya Vergis 
• Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Dawn

Welcome back to The Mettleset Podcast!

For our Summer Series, we're helping you jump into a new sport, and this week, we're leaping into the world of running. And who better to guide us from zero to 5K than the incredible Dr. Sara Talia.  She's not just a family medicine doctor; she's also a New Balance Run Club Coach in Doha and a former competitive middle-distance runner who even tackled the steeplechase.  

This is Part 1 of our essential running guide.

Sara takes us behind the scenes of running’s global boom – did you know run club participation shot up by a whopping 59% worldwide last year? She shares her own journey, revealing how she balanced competitive athletics with a demanding medical career and why she's now so passionate about coaching others.

If you've ever felt intimidated by running, this episode is for you. Sara cuts through the noise, reminding us that running truly is for everyone. You’ll learn how to frame your mindset, set powerful intentions (not just goals!), and why consistency is your secret weapon.

We dig into the practical stuff too: how to take those crucial first steps, gradually build your mileage, and prepare for your first 3K or 5K. Plus, Dr Sara breaks down the must-do strength training exercises that will keep you injury-free and moving stronger, no matter your pace.

Ready to lace up and transform your running journey? Tune in now!

Follow Dr. Sara on Instagram: @drtalia_sportsmedicine 

Follow the New Balance Run Club Doha: @nbrc_doha

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
• 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guest: Dr. Sara Talia 
• Editor: Diya Vergis 
• Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Dawn

We’re back with Saudi record-holding freediver Nada Alrasheed for Part 2 of our Summer Series deep dive exploring not just how to freedive, but why the ocean is worth protecting.

Nada takes us through some of her most unforgettable underwater moments from growing up by the vibrant reefs of the Red Sea to diving in the icy waters of Norway alongside humpback whales. She reflects on what it means to share space with marine life and how these encounters have shaped her passion for conservation.

We talk about the reality of sharks (not the Jaws version), why the ocean needs our protection now more than ever, and how simply witnessing life beneath the surface can shift your perspective. Nada also shares what’s next on her diving bucket list, the strength of the global freediving community, and the athletes and stories that continue to inspire her.

If you missed Part 1, go back and start there - then come along as we dive even deeper.

Follow Nada on Instagram: @nada_underwater

🎧 Listen to Part 1 of this conversation here 

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
• 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guest: Nada Alrasheed
• Editor: Diya Vergis 
• Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Dawn

In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, we’re diving into the world of freediving with Saudi record-holder and instructor, Nada Alrasheed as part of our Summer Series focused on helping more women try new sports.

Nada holds multiple national records and an Arab women’s record for reaching 65 meters in the constant weight bifin category at the CMAS World Championship. Her journey didn’t begin with records or rankings, it started with a simple love for the ocean.

In this Part 1 of our two-part conversation, Nada shares how she went from exploring marine life to pushing physical and mental limits underwater. She breaks down the basics of freediving, how to get started, and why it’s not just for elite athletes. We also talk about fears, breathwork, and what happens to your body during a deep dive.

Whether you’re curious about the sport or drawn to the ocean, this conversation offers an inspiring look at exploring the 70% of our planet we rarely explore. 

Follow Nada on Instagram: @nada_underwater

🎧 Listen to Nada’s first appearance on The Mettleset Podcast HERE 

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
• 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guest: Nada Alrasheed
• Editor: Diya Vergis 
• Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Dawn

In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, we kick off our Summer Series - a special “How To” series focused on giving you the tools, info and inspo to get started in a new sport. From running your first 5k to training for a Triathlon, to going deep into the world of freediving, we’re sharing real advice, inspiring journeys, and expert tips to help you get started.

To launch the series, we’re joined by Jess Towl, Head of HYROX at GymNation and one of the top 15 HYROX women in the world.  Before we delve into HYROX, Jess shares her own journey into sport including her start as a Team GB triathlete, her arrival as a record-setting CrossFitter and her recent mindset shift when it comes to competition. 

Jess also delivers a masterclass on all things HYROX, the global fitness race redefining endurance sport. She walks us through the race-day format, how to train smart (not just hard), and why the sport is gaining momentum across the world and the Middle East. From athlete demographics to the unique accessibility of HYROX, Jess explains how functional fitness is opening doors for both first-timers and elites alike.

We also get into the real talk: performance nutrition, mindset traps, and the fueling mistakes women still make too often. Drawing from her own journey from elite swimmer and triathlete representing Great Britain, to CrossFit competitor and now top-tier HYROX athlete - Jess shares the training wisdom, recovery mindset, and race-day strategies that have shaped her success.

Whether you’re HYROX-curious or simply seeking motivation to move, this episode is packed with insight, tools, and inspiration to help you take the next step in your fitness journey.

Follow Jess on Instagram: @jesstowl

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
• 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guest: Jess Towl
• Editor: Diya Vergis 
• Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Dawn

In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, we’re joined by Stephanie Rogers, Executive Vice President of Marketing for the San Francisco 49ers,  one of the NFL’s most storied and valuable franchises.

Stephanie takes us inside the 49ers’ global brand strategy, sharing how a legacy team balances tradition with forward-thinking innovation, from data-driven marketing to fan engagement that spans millions of people worldwide.

We dive into Stephanie’s impressive career across the PGA Tour, NHL, and now NFL, and how the world of sports marketing has evolved from the early days of digital content to today’s always-on, global-first strategy. She shares the mindset behind her leadership philosophy - why “innovation is the baseline” - and how it continues to shape how teams connect with fans in deeper, more meaningful ways.

We also talk about the 49ers’ first-of-its-kind activation in the UAE, marking a major milestone as the first NFL team to engage in the region under the league’s Global Markets Program. Stephanie reflects on the energy, appetite, and opportunities she witnessed during the team’s time in Dubai, and what’s next for the 49ers in the Middle East.

Packed with storytelling, strategy, and practical advice for anyone looking to work in sport, this episode offers a front-row seat to the business behind one of the world’s most iconic sports brands.

🏈 More on the 49ers: 

• https://www.49ers.com/ 
• 49ers Arabic on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/49ersar/ 

🌍 Stay Connected with – and support – The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up here for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
• 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guest: Stephanie Rogers 
• Editing Assistant: Diya Vergis 
• Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn

In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, host Dawn Barnable heads off-road with two riders helping shape the future of cycling in the UAE.

Emirati gravel cyclist Rawdha Alfalasi has created something quietly radical: Seek.All, a new women-led cycling group dedicated to building confidence, connection, and community -  one trail and one adventure at a time. We join Rawdha and fellow cyclist Sunshine Salgado Fearn at Dubai’s Mushrif Park, fresh off one of Seek.All’s very first group rides.

Together, we talk:

• How Rawdha started Seek.All,  and what the name really means
• The goal, purpose and activities of the group 
• Bikepacking across Europe (yes, including bear warnings)
• Sunshine’s journey back to racing and a push toward the UCI Gravel World Champs
• Why gravel cycling feels more welcoming — and what new riders need to hear

📍Location: Mushrif Park, Dubai

📲 Follow: @seekall.rides

🌍 Stay Connected with – and support – The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up here for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
• 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guests: Rawdha Alfalasi,  Sunshine Salgado Fearn 
• Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is the first and only sports platform in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn

In this inspiring episode, we chat with Stacey Leawood, who just a few years ago, made headlines as the world’s youngest NBA player agent. who made a remarkable leap from small-town Newfoundland to managing athletes in the world’s top basketball league. Stacey takes us on her incredible journey of perseverance, self-belief (or delusion), and innovation, sharing how she broke into the world of sports management with no prior connections and little formal guidance.

From a childhood dream of playing in the WNBA to an unexpected turn towards NBA agent work, Stacey opens up about the grit required to make it in a male-dominated industry and how she navigated obstacles, including studying a 600-page collective bargaining agreement to pass the NBA agent exam.

We dive into her first big break, securing an NBA contract for her client through sheer determination and resourcefulness. Stacey's story offers valuable insights for anyone looking to break into the sports industry, showing that with confidence, resourcefulness, and a willingness to learn, anything is possible.

Key topics include:

• 🏀The role and responsibilities of an NBA agent
• 🏀Stacey’s unconventional path into sports management
• 🏀The importance of persistence and self-belief
• 🏀Behind-the-scenes of signing NBA contracts
• 🏀Lessons on building genuine relationships and career longevity

Stacey’s journey is a powerful reminder that success isn’t linear -  sometimes, the best way to break into an industry is to make your own path.

Listen in for an episode filled with inspiration, hustle, and real talk on breaking into sports 

Find Stacey online: 

• 🏀 Stacey Leawood on LinkedIn and Instagram @StaceyLeawood 
• 🏀 Leawood Sports & Entertainment: https://leawoodsportsentertainment.com/

🌍 Stay Connected with – and support – The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up here for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
• 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guest: Stacey Leawood 
• Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is the first and only sports platform in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn

The third edition of the Saudi Games concluded in October 2024, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts and minds of those who took part.

Some 9,000 local and expatriate athletes competed in 52 sporting disciplines, among them Elisa Grassi. The Italian expat, competing in her second Games, took gold in the women’s road cycling event.

Grassi, 28, is originally from northern Italy. A biomedical researcher by profession, she discovered a passion for cycling not at home, but after moving to Saudi Arabia in 2019.

She says embracing cycling was the “best decision” of her life.

In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, Dawn talks to Grassi about her not one, but two Saudi Games gold medals. She shares her journey from biomedical research to cycling, the challenges she faced, and how her decision to embrace cycling led to her success. Elisa reflects on her second Saudi Games experience, where she clinched her second gold medal, and the strong support from her teammates and coach.

This episode was originally published in October 2024.

Find Saudi Games Gold Medalist, Elisa Grassi at (@greli_)

🌍 Stay Connected with – and support – The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up here for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
• 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guest: Elisa Grassi 
• Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is the first and only sports platform in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn

** Originally aired 27 May, 2024 and worth a (re)listen**

Hello everyone. 

Today’s guest is one of the region’s most prominent sports journalists. 

She and I met years ago while I was working in public relations, managing the communications for Yas Marina Circuit for the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and Reem was working as a journalist with Sport 360.  

Since that time, Reem’s career has flourished. She is a sports writer, columnist and video journalist for UAE's The National and Saudi Arabia’s Arab News, a tennis contributor to CNN and Eurosport, a contributor to wire agency AFP, as well as other outlets including The Guardian US, BBC News, Dubai Eye 103.8, Al Arabiya, and Wimbledon.com.  She regularly interviews some of the world’s and region’s most famous athletes and travels the world to cover a range of sports stories, not just tennis as she clarifies in our chat.   

Most recently, Reem became the host and concept creator of the podcast Abtal, a series dedicated to Arab athletes and their journeys to the Paris 2024 Olympics - linked below. 

In our chat, we discuss: 

• 🎙️ the state of sports media and why it's important to adapt and learn 
• 🎙️ some of her most memorable moments as a sports journalist including Coco Gauff, Ons Jabeur & Maradona just to name a few 
• 🎙️ her new podcast Abtal 
• 🎙️ what advice she’d give aspiring sports journalists 
• 🎙️ who to watch for this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris 
• 🎙️ the shift in sports journalism and why that’s a good thing for women’s sports, 
• 🎙️ and what more is needed to really level the playing field when it comes to fair and equal coverage of women athletes. 

This is a must-listen for anyone working in women’s sports or anyone with aspirations to do so! 

Useful links: 

🔗 Reem on Instagram 

🔗 Reem’s new podcast Abtal 

I hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn

In this episode, host Dawn Barnable is joined by Monika Staab, a true pioneer in women’s football, to discuss the incredible journey of developing women’s football in Saudi Arabia. Recorded late last year, Monika reflects on her incredible role as the technical director for the Saudi women’s national football program, a role she has since stepped down from but whose impact continues to shape the sport in the Kingdom.

Since the establishment of the Saudi Women’s Premier League (SWPL) in 2022, the league has experienced rapid growth, with Al Nassr winning back-to-back-to-back league titles in 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25. The 2024-25 season also marked a milestone with the league expanding from 8 to 10 clubs, increasing the number of match weeks and attracting over 200 players to the Kingdom’s top-flight league.

Monika discusses the historic first international match for the Saudi women’s national team, the development of grassroots programs, and the significant support from women in leadership positions. She also shares insights into the ongoing cultural shift in Saudi Arabia towards greater participation of women in sports, and how football is being embraced as a career by more and more women.

Key stats about the growth of Saudi women’s football include:

• ⚽ 44% of Saudis now follow the SAFF Women’s Premier League (SWPL)
• ⚽ 77,000 girls engage in football weekly, showing the sport’s growing appeal across the Kingdom
• ⚽ Over 200 players registered for the SWPL in the 2024-25 season
• ⚽ 72% of respondents in a recent report stated that women’s football attracts fans who previously felt excluded from the sport

In this episode, we dive into:

• ⚽ Monika’s start and career in sports 
• ⚽ Monika’s pivotal role in shaping women’s football in Saudi Arabia
• ⚽ The growth of the Saudi Women’s Premier League and its future
• ⚽ The first international match for the Saudi women’s national team
• ⚽ How the SWPL continues to attract international talent and sponsorship
• ⚽ The cultural shift in Saudi Arabia towards embracing women’s football
• ⚽ And much more.

Monika’s journey is a testament to the power of vision, leadership, and perseverance. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of women’s football, particularly in the MENA region.

🔗 Links & Resources

• Saudi Football Federation
• Saudi Women’s Premier League

📊 Reports:

• NEOM & AFC - Pioneering Change: Women’s Football in Saudi Arabia
• FOOTBALL CO & INDIVISA - The Time is Now

🌍 Stay Connected with – and support – The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up here for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
• 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guest: Monika Staab
• Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is the first and only sports platform in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

In this episode, host Dawn Barnable sits down with motorsport athlete Aliyyah Koloc, who has already made racing history, and she’s only just getting started.

Born and raised in Dubai, Aliyyah became the youngest-ever competitor in the Dakar Rally at just 18 - but before that, she had already secured two truck racing speed records. Since then, she’s added a GT4 endurance championship title to her name, continuing to make her mark on motorsport. 

They talk about:

• What it takes to compete in the Dakar, one of the world’s toughest motorsport races
• Her mental and physical training regimen
• Competing with and against older, more experienced racers
• How her Asperger’s diagnosis has shaped her perspective and performance
• Her goals, growth, and what keeps her grounded off the track

Whether you’re a motorsport fan or just love stories of resilience, determination, and breaking new ground, this conversation is for you. 

🔗 Links & Resources

• Aliyyah Koloc – Buggyra Racing
• @aliyyahkoloc
• Dakar Rally
• Vehicles of the Dakar - a handy guide 
• Creventic 24H Series
• More on Aliyyah’s GT4 win

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support -  The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up here for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
• 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits: 

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guest: Aliyyah Koloc
• Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is the first and only sports platform in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, Atiqa opens up about overcoming bullying on and off the track, staying focused in a male-dominated sport, and how she’s training — physically and mentally — to reach Formula 1. Her father, former national karting champion Asif Mir, joins to share the behind-the-scenes of raising a trailblazer.

All this as momentum builds in the region: the Saudi Grand Prix just wrapped, Farah AlYousef made her F1 Academy debut, and Sebastian Vettel’s Race 4 Women initiative is pushing the future of female motorsport forward.

🔗 Links 🔗

• Atiqa on Instagram
• Atiqa Mir’s F1 Academy feature – ABC News
• Farah AlYousef enters F1 Academy Round 2
• Sebastian Vettel’s Race 4 Women

❤️ Follow The Mettleset on Instagram: @themettleset

📧 Sign up for The Mettleset newsletter: sign up here 

Support the Show:

💬 Love the episode? Leave us a 5-star review and share it with a friend!

-Dawn

Beyond the spectacle, BASE jumping isn’t just about adrenaline—it’s about trust, presence, and embracing life at full intensity. In a short but sweet episode, Katie and Cornelia reflect on their experiences, the mindset behind the sport, and why it’s not about being reckless, but about truly living.

Links:

• 🔗 Read the full Arab News article: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2591124/sport
• 🔗 Follow The Mettleset on Instagram: @themettleset
• 🔗 Follow Katie Hansen on Instagram: @flywithkatie
• 🔗 Follow Cornelia Mihai on Instagram: @cornelia_mihai
• 🔗 Sign up for The Mettleset newsletter: sign up here 

Support the Show:

💬 Love the episode? Leave us a 5-star review and share it with a friend!

-Dawn

In Episode 3 of our three part BTS series  we celebrate UAE Team ADQ’s incredible victory, with insights from key figures who made it happen:

• 🚲 Melissa Moncada, Head of Team, on the significance of this win for UAE cycling and the growth of women’s cycling in the region.
• 🚲 Cherie Pridham, Head of Sport, a trailblazer as the first woman to hold a sport director role on a men’s WorldTour team before joining UAE Team ADQ, shares her thoughts on the team’s performance and success.
• 🚲 Silvia Persico, who finished second in the GC and was instrumental in Elisa Longo Borghini’s Stage 3 victory, reflects on her role and the team’s strategy.
• 🚲 Elisa Longo Borghini, fresh off her GC win, shares her experience of the race, her emotions after taking the overall victory, and a personal reflection on racing with her brother as a tour director.

🔗 Links discussed in this episode:

• 📖 Read Dawn’s full race coverage in Arab News
• 📸 Follow UAE Team ADQ on Instagram
• 🚲 For more stories on women in sport! Find us on @themettleset ✨
• 📩  Subscribe to The Mettleset newsletter for exclusive stories on MENA women’s sports, HERE

In this series:

• Episode 1: Inside the race with journalist Emma Cole
• Episode 2: A behind-the-scenes look inside the Human Powered Health support car

🚲 For more stories on women in sport! Find us on @themettleset ✨

📩  Subscribe to The Mettleset newsletter for exclusive stories on MENA women’s sports, HERE

— Dawn

I go BTS in Human Powered Health  team’s support car during Stage *, the final stage of the race. Riding alongside Communications Director Oscar Skarsbrook and Soigneur Jose Leite—also known as a swanny,the ultimate Swiss Army knife of a cycling team—I get an exclusive look at the inner workings of a pro cycling team on race day.  

In our support van chat, we discuss: 

• 🚲 The role of a support team in pro cycling  
• 🚲 The dynamics of race-day logistics  
• 🚲 Human Powered Health’s mission and team culture  
• 🚲 The importance of soigneurs in keeping a team on the road  
• 🚲 The Embrace Every Moment  series by Wahoo  

A huge thank you to Oscar, Jose, and the entire Human Powered Health team for this unforgettable experience.  

🔗 More on what was discussed in this episode:   

• 🚲 Learn more about Human Powered Health: https://www.instagram.com/hphcycling/ 
• 🚲 Watch Wahoo’s Embrace Every Moment series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOA289t6dxQ 
• 🚲 For more stories on women in sport! Find us on @themettleset ✨
• 📩  Subscribe to The Mettleset newsletter for exclusive stories on MENA women’s sports, HERE

Enjoy!

Dawn

In Episode one of three,  I speak with journalist Emma Cole, who has been covering the race for Cycling News. Recorded just ahead of the final stage, we discuss Emma’s impressions of the event, the growth of women’s cycling, and her own podcast, The Passion Stories Podcast. 

🔗 Links discussed in this episode:   

📖 Read Dawn’s full race coverage in Arab News 

🎙️ Check out Emma’s podcast,The Passion Stories Podcast

🔗 Find Emma on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/emmasecole/ 

In the series 

🔹 Episode 2: A behind-the-scenes look inside the Human Powered Health support car  

🔹 Episode 3: Exclusive interviews with **UAE Team ADQ**, including Elisa Longo Borghini, after the team’s historic victory  

🔗 For  more stories on women in sport! Find us on @themettleset 🚴‍♀️✨

📩  Subscribe to The Mettleset newsletter for exclusive stories on MENA women’s sports, HERE 

Enjoy!

Dawn

In this episode, Jola shares:

👠 ➡️ 👟 How she transitioned from the high-paced fashion world to the rugged trails of ultra-endurance running.

🏜️ Her experience tackling the 252km Marathon des Sables, often called the toughest foot race on Earth.

💫 The lessons she’s learned about resilience, stepping outside her comfort zone, and embracing new challenges.

📖 Why any time is the right time to rewrite your narrative and embark on a fresh adventure.

Resources:

• Learn more about the Marathon des Sables: https://www.marathondessables.com/
• Connect with Jola Chudy: https://www.instagram.com/jolaruns/
• Follow The Mettleset: https://www.instagram.com/themettleset/

More from The Mettleset

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need a little inspiration to kickstart their new year.

Sign up for our newsletter: https://themettleset.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=605dd939a55794e8902a1c3a6&id=609df9d8c0

We caught up with Martine in the team hangar in Dubai, just days before the season opener. During our conversation, Martine takes us on an inspiring journey:

• How her childhood on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro and growing up in a family of sailors shaped her passion for the sport.
• The setbacks she faced on her road to Olympic glory and how she used those moments to fuel her comeback.
• Insights from her experiences in the grueling Volvo Ocean Race and what it taught her about teamwork and perseverance.
• Her excitement and vision as she steps into her role as driver for the Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team.

Martine’s story is one of resilience, determination, and trailblazing achievements.

Follow Martine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinegrael/

Learn more about SailGP & Martine: https://sailgp.com

https://sailgp.com/teams/mubadala-brazil/martine-grael

If you’ve been enjoying our episodes, don’t forget to show your support by hitting the subscribe/follow button wherever you’re listening so you never miss an episode.

We’d also love to hear from you! Leave us a 5-star review and follow @themettleset on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Your support helps us continue bringing you incredible stories like Martine’s!

Dawn

We caught up with Hana at the T100 World Tour Press Conference in Dubai, just ahead of the Tour’s grand finale (16-17 Nov) During our conversation, Hana shares how a simple dare sparked her entry into the world of triathlon during the pandemic. She takes us through the unforgettable story of her first race, and with unexpected challenges and laser focus needed 

Hana also opens up about the mental resilience that drives her, her unwavering focus on her ultimate dream of representing the UAE in Triathlon at the next Olympics, and how she pushes herself to reach new heights in the sport. 

Follow Hana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trihanathon/ 

For more information on the T100 series: https://t100triathlon.com/ 

If you've been enjoying our content and finding value in our discussions, please take a quick moment to show your support. Just hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to us so that you never miss an episode.

Please also leave a review - 5 ⭐ only - and follow @themettleset on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. This really helps us in our commitment to bring you the best possible show and the most interesting guests.

Dawn

🎙️ EP. 61 - The Mettleset Podcast with Moroj Adil 

This week we discuss:

🏉 Dubai Rugby Sevens: November 30 - December 1. Olympic medalists New Zealand, Canada, and Australia in action. Tickets & info

🎾 Ons Jabeur in Riyadh: Guest of honor at the WTA Finals, hosting tennis clinics and inspiring future stars. Full interview: Arab News

🤺 UAE Women’s Epee World Cup: November 8-10 in Fujairah. Seven Emirati fencers representing the UAE: https://www.instagram.com/uae_fencing/ 

🚵‍♀️ Neom Beach Games: The supertri NEOM, and the upcoming Neom Titan Desert Race (Nov 18-22): https://titandesertksa.com/en/ 

🚴🏽‍♀️ Guest Interview: Moroj Adil, Saudi Arabia’s first pro cyclist, on her journey and first season. Find Moroj: https://www.instagram.com/moroj.adil/

Be sure to follow us on @themettleset for more sports updates, culture, and conversation. Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. Got a news tip? Email us at hello@themettleset.com.

Egyptian Fencing Controversy - Egyptian Olympian Nada Hafez and her teammates speak out against age-based discrimination from the Egyptian Fencing Federation. More info: 

• Nada Hafez’s social media post 
• Egyptian Fencing Federation Response
• ECWR Statement on Discrimination

UAE Women's Jiu-Jitsu Triumph - UAE’s female Jiu-Jitsu athletes shine at the World Championships, securing podium spots.

Tennis - Ons Jabeur Returns! -The "Minister of Happiness" is back for the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open. Related Links: Get Tickets

WTA Finals Debut in Riyadh - Saudi Arabia hosts its first professional women’s tennis tournament, aiming to inspire the next generation.

Related Links: WTA Finals Tickets

Burj to Burj Half Marathon - Dubai’s iconic race approaches gender parity, with a goal of reaching 50/50 participation!

Related Links: http://burj2burj.com 

Be sure to follow us on @themettleset for more sports updates, culture, and conversation. Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. Got a news tip? Email us at hello@themettleset.com.

🚲 Episode 70: Interview with two-time Saudi Games Gold Medalist, cyclist Elisa Grassi.

🤿 Episode 71: Journey with Nada AlRasheed, who just set three national records and an Arab women’s record in freediving.

Follow us on social @themettleset for more women’s sports updates, and check the show notes for links to everything discussed on today’s show. Now, onto the news!

F1 Academy - Alpine’s Abbi Pulling dominated F1 Academy testing at UAE’s Yas Marina Circuit, topping all six sessions. Details here. 

Formula Woman Global Nations Cup - Fifty female drivers from 25 countries will compete at Dubai Autodrome on December 12, aiming to form an all-female team for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Details here. 

T20 Women’s World Cup - New Zealand’s White Ferns made history, winning their first T20 Women’s World Cup in Dubai. More info here. 

Amenah Al Muhairi - UAE snowboarder Amenah Al Muhari reached the podium at FIS Ski Dubai, prepping for the Asian Winter Games in February. Follow Amenah here. 

The Saudi Games 2024 - 9,000 athletes competed across 52 sports in Saudi Games 2024, a key part of Vision 2030’s athletic empowerment initiative.  Learn more info here. 

Thanks for tuning in! Follow us for more women’s sports coverage, and we’ll see you next week.

From her childhood experiences in Jeddah to becoming a multiple national record holder and Arab record holder, Nada discusses the various disciplines of freediving, the mental preparation required, and the personal growth she has experienced along the way. This episode is not just about athletic accomplishments; it’s about finding oneself and overcoming challenges.

Prepare to be inspired by Nada’s dedication and the lessons she has learned throughout her journey.

🧜‍♀️ Nada Al Rasheed: @nada_underwater

Don’t forget to follow @themettleset and please do leave us a review (five star only). 

I hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn 

⛰️ Two GCC women completed the Explorer’s Grand Slam this week: 

• 🇶🇦 @atalthani
• 🇵🇹 @mariatrugrit

🏉 Women’s Rugby: Spain took home the WXV3 Championship Title after defeating Fiji at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai last weekend:  https://www.world.rugby/wxv/  https://www.thesevensstadium.com 

🏁 The NEOM McLaren Formula E Team this week confirmed that Bianca Bustamante and Ella Lloyd  will drive for the team in the upcoming Women’s Test: https://www.mclaren.com/racing/formula-e/2024/bianca-bustamante-and-ella-lloyd-for-the-2024-25-formula-e-womens-test/ 

🥋@lailaa_sheriff takes double gold at an African Taekwondo Union match 

⭐ Historic moves by 🇵🇸  @mariam_b2009  and the UAE’s Hala Belsela & @almarjan.   

🚲 PLUS an Interview with Saudi Games Gold Medalist, Elisa Grassi (@greli_)

Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/themettleset 

For news tips or inquiries, email us at: hello@themettleset.com

Dawn

🐪 The C1 Championship, the world's first all-women camel racing series: https://adcrc.me/c1-championship/ 

• 🎙️ To listen to our chat with founder Linda Krockenberger: https://open.spotify.com/episode/35PULNn8MBmCzveatxLtQW?si=ac5b588068bb4b2a 

🏁 Saudi rally driver Yosra Jazzar defends her Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge - T4 category title this weekend. More info via Arab News: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2573681/sport 

• Follow Yosra on IG: https://www.instagram.com/yosra_jazzar/?hl=en 

⚽ Finaa, a non-profit empowering girls and women through football in Jordan, unveils its fourth pitch. More about Finaa: http://www.finaa.org/ 

🏉 Women’s Rugby: The international WXV 3 women’s rugby competition is happening at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai: https://www.world.rugby/wxv/ & https://www.thesevensstadium.com 

🤿 Saudi freediver Nada AlRasheed sets a new national record of 61m at the CMAS 8th World Championship. https://www.instagram.com/p/DAyNzmMIibp/?img_index=1  

🚲 Egyptian cyclist Aliaa Benbella secures 2nd place in the Junior Individual Time Trial at the 2024 African Road Cycling Championships in Kenya: https://www.africacycling2024.com/_files/ugd/577345_5e8f55ada3f048c986d30e943f776c0f.pdf 

Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/themettleset 

For news tips or inquiries, email us at: hello@themettleset.com

Have a fabulous weekend, and thanks for listening!

You’ll also hear about Melissa’s journey as a triathlete, her experience as a sports physiotherapist, and the exciting rollout of the New Balance Run Club across the region. Whether you're targeting your first 5K or planning to go ultra, this episode is packed with tips to help you run smart, stay injury-free, and find joy in the process.

Key Topics Discussed:  

• How to safely start or restart your running journey  
• Tips for progressing from shorter distances to marathons and beyond 
• Why a sports physiotherapist can be a key asset for runners  
• Importance of strength and conditioning for injury prevention  
• Nutrition, hydration, and recovery tips  
• Overcoming the intimidation factor and just starting

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

• Follow Melissa @melissa_abbey_physio 

Exercises for strength and conditioning:

• Calf Raises 
• Single Leg Exercises Sit to Stand  

Recommended running shoes:  

• For Race Day: New Balance FuelCell Super Comp Elite 
• For Every Day: New Balance 1080 

Sign up for the New Balance Run Club:  

• Dubai @nbrc_dubai - Sign Up Here 
• Abu Dhabi @nbrc_abudhabi - Sign Up Here 
• Doha @nbrc_doha - Sign Up Here 
• Riyadh @nbrc_riyadh - Sign Up Here 

We hope you enjoyed this episode! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe to The Mettleset Podcast on your platform of choice and on social media @themettleset.

And if you found this episode helpful, please share it with your friends, teammates, and fellow runners.

Dawn

Welcome to our new format, featuring the news headlines for the week, centering women and women’s stories! We hope you like this new format. 

The Mettleset is now two years old so a big thank you to everyone who has supported us, followed and engaged and liked our content, especially the athletes who have entrusted us to share their stories. 

More info on the news shared this week: 

• The Saudi Games 
• The Women’s T20 Women’s World Cup
• The ESeries announces Doha
• Team Saudi at the World Freediving Championship
• The Sport Industry Forum

Our interview this week is with Melissa Moncada, President of Pro Cycling Team, UAE Team ADQ: https://www.uaeteamadq.com 

Thanks for listening! Please like, follow, subscribe and share and for news tips, email us at hello@themettleset.com. 

Follow us @themettleset

Dawn

In this episode, we hear firsthand from Eleana Matos and Nimrah Sohail,  two inspiring young women who went from inner-city life to the French Alps as part of this trail running initiative. Their stories offer a deep look into how sport and nature have helped them discover their potential, redefine their futures, and build a sense of belonging and purpose.

We’re also joined by Darren Davis, John McAvoy’s former prison officer, who shares his perspective on John’s transformation and how his support and mentorship helped shape the foundation of the Alpine Run Project. Darren’s unique role in John’s life shows the profound impact one person can have on another’s path to redemption and success.

If you missed Part 1 with John McAvoy, make sure to listen for a deeper dive into his remarkable personal story and the origins of this project.

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about The Alpine Run Project: https://www.ybb.agency/alpine-run-project 
• Watch the ARP documentary on Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/Streets-Peaks-Andy-Ashworth/dp/B0D4YT7S9B 
• Follow John McAvoy on Instagram: @jonnymac83 
• Follow Eleana on Instagram: @eleana_runs

Don’t forget to follow @themettleset and please do leave us a review (five star only). 

I hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn

In this, Part 1 of 2, we chat with John McAvoy the founder of The Alpine Run Project and a Nike-sponsored athlete. John’s own journey from a notorious armed robber to an endurance athlete is nothing short of remarkable. Having broken eight British and three World indoor rowing records while serving a double life sentence, John has transformed his life through the power of sport—and now, he's paying it forward.

In this episode, John shares:

• His personal transformation story, including his time in prison and how he discovered his natural aptitude for endurance sports.
• What inspired him to start The Alpine Run Project and how it offers inner-city youth the opportunity to explore their potential through trail running.
• How the project, now in its second year, has grown with the support of Nike, JD Sports, and Strava—and how it’s making a lasting impact on the young people involved.

We also discuss the larger themes of this episode, including the transformative power of sport, the importance of mentorship, and the profound influence relationships can have on our lives. John's journey is proof that no matter how dire your circumstances, it’s possible to rewrite your story.

Make sure to tune in to Part 2, where I’ll be talking to Elena and Nimrah, two incredible Alpine Run Project alumni, along with Darren Davis, the former prison officer who played an instrumental role in John’s transformation and the creation of the project.

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about The Alpine Run Project: https://www.ybb.agency/alpine-run-project 
• Watch the ARP documentary on Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/Streets-Peaks-Andy-Ashworth/dp/B0D4YT7S9B 
• Listen to more podcasts featuring John’s story:  
• The Rich Roll Podcast 
• The High Performance Podcast

Follow John McAvoy on Instagram: @jonnymac83

Don’t forget to follow @themettleset and please do leave us a review (five star only). 

I hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn

Noemi’s story is a remarkable journey of resilience, hard work, and triumph.

From discovering her passion for trampoline gymnastics at just six years old to making history as one of the first Spanish trampoline gymnasts to qualify for the Olympics since the sport’s debut in 2000, Noemi shares her inspiring path. 

In our conversation, she opens up about the highs and lows of her nonlinear Olympic journey, the challenges of competing on the world stage, and what it truly feels like to soar through the air in a sport that requires both precision and mental strength.

If you're in the United Arab Emirates, don't miss the chance to meet Noemi and the Spanish National Trampoline team in person. Until 19 September, you can participate in a masterclass in trampoline gymnastics at BOUNCE locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. 

Head to BOUNCE's website to book your spot and experience the thrill of this incredible sport firsthand.

🔗 Meet Noemi Romero and the Spanish National Trampoline Team at BOUNCE: https://bounce.ae/bounce-olympians/ 

🔗 Follow Noemi Romero on Instagram: @noemiiromero 

Don’t forget to follow @themettleset and please do leave us a review (five star only). 

I hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn

Today's topic is a sport that some of you may or may not be familiar with: Pickleball.  And my guest is none other than one of the world’s top players, Megan Fudge. 

With roots in Europe, the American has had a meteoric rise in the sport, since she started it four years ago going from insurance advisor to now being ranked #1 in the world. 

I caught up with Megan in Dubai just prior to the Olympics at the launch of the Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), the PWR World Series and the PWR World Tour, which is an entirely new Pickleball ecosystem set to launch next year.  

In my chat with Megan, we discuss what Pickleball is and how it's not in competition with Padel, life as an elite Pickleball athlete, the expansion of the sport and who she’d most like to play with. 

About the Pickleball World Rankings -  https://pwr.global 

The new ecosystem comprises a few elements, each working together to promote excellence in the profession: 

Pickleball World Rankings: PWR is a unified global ranking system that allows a defined path for pickleball players to earn points and improve their rankings. It will enable players to accumulate points and qualify for the PWR World Series through the PWR World Tour in different regions. Different tiers of PWR events - PWR100, PWR 200, PWR 400, PWR700, PWR1000 and PWR2000 - are similar to ATP and WTA tournaments in tennis.

PWR World Series: Similar to the Grand Slam events in tennis, these marquee events will begin in March 2025, with six major tournaments, including one in the GCC region. In the first year, the PWR World Series will comprise 64 players in the individual format and six teams of four players  each, from the US and the rest of the world.

PWR World Tour: This consists of various tours worldwide where players compete to earn PWR points and qualify for the PWR World Series. Examples include the PWR CPA Pro Tour and the PWR China Collegiate Pickleball Tour. 

Find Pickleball in Dubai: 

• https://www.touchtennissportsclub.com/pickleball
• https://www.dubaisportsworld.ae/sports/pickleball/
• https://urbanplayground.ae/pickleball/

Find Megan Fudge Online: https://www.instagram.com/officialmeganfudge 

Don’t forget to follow @themettleset and please do leave us a review (five star only). 

I hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn

The event, which covered  both park and street skateboarding disciplines, saw skateboarders from all over the world compete to improve their Olympic World Skate Ranking ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.  It was here that I caught up with Zarah - who is India’s highest ranked female skateboarder in the park discipline of the sport, as well as her mom Annie -  and her little sister Karen.

In my chat  with both Zarah and her mum I learned about the young athlete’s  intrinsic motivation for the sport, her very wise philosophy and approach to training and how her family, friends and school are enabling Zarah’s talent to flourish.  

🛹 To find Zarah online: @zarah_skater

🛹 To check out the AlJada Skateboard: @aljadaskatepark

🛹 To read more about Zarah from Olympics.com, click HERE 

Don’t forget to follow @themettleset and please do leave us a review (five ⭐ only). 

I hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn

Today’s guest is one of the region’s most prominent sports journalists. 

She and I met years ago while I was working in public relations, managing the communications for Yas Marina Circuit for the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and Reem was working as a journalist with Sport 360.  

Since that time, Reem’s career has flourished. She is a sports writer, columnist and video journalist for UAE's The National and Saudi Arabia’s Arab News, a tennis contributor to CNN and Eurosport, a contributor to wire agency AFP, as well as other outlets including The Guardian US, BBC News, Dubai Eye 103.8, Al Arabiya, and Wimbledon.com.  She regularly interviews some of the world’s and region’s most famous athletes and travels the world to cover a range of sports stories, not just tennis as she clarifies in our chat.   

Most recently, Reem became the host and concept creator of the podcast Abtal, a series dedicated to Arab athletes and their journeys to the Paris 2024 Olympics - linked below. 

In our chat, we discuss: 

🎙️ the state of sports media and why it's important to adapt and learn 

🎙️ some of her most memorable moments as a sports journalist including Coco Gauff, Ons Jabeur & Maradona just to name a few 

🎙️ her new podcast Abtal 

🎙️ what advice she’d give aspiring sports journalists 

🎙️ who to watch for this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris 

🎙️ the shift in sports journalism and why that’s a good thing for women’s sports, 

🎙️ and what more is needed to really level the playing field when it comes to fair and equal coverage of women athletes. 

This is a must-listen for anyone working in women’s sports or anyone with aspirations to do so! 

Useful links: 

🔗 Reem on Instagram 

🔗 Reem’s new podcast Abtal 

I hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn 

Moroj Adil is Saudi Arabia’s first pro cyclist and you’d be forgiven for not knowing her name yet as she only started cycling two years ago. Yes, that is right, from not knowing how to ride a bike, to being on the Liv Alula Jayco Continental team, her story is one that needs to be heard and what’s most exciting is that it's just getting started. 

In this episode, we chat through 

• 🚲 How Moroj got started 
• 🚲 Her first race 
• 🚲 Her first mountain bike race, The Neom Titan Desert Race
• 🚲 The AlUla Tour
• 🚲 The Traka
• 🚲 Joining the Liv AlUla Jayco Continental Team 
• 🚲 Her Olympic aspirations 

Moroj’s story highlights what’s possible when you don’t put limits on yourself. It’s a story of taking - and making - opportunities, working hard and then letting the magic happen. It’s a story of heart, self-belief and the support you receive along the way. 

Find Moroj on Instagram at @moroj.adi 

I hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn 

We’ve taken some of the best moments from the 50+ episodes that we’ve recorded to share with you tales of joy, mettle, courage  and wisdom from an amazing array of women in sport from across the region. 

If you haven’t checked out the first and second in the series, Episode 57, 58 and 59, please go do that HERE and HERE and HERE! 

 In this episode, you’ll hear stories from: 

• 🇴🇲🏔️ EP 48 - Nadhira Al Harthy,  the first Omani woman to summit everest 
• 🇸🇦🎿 EP 32 - Sharifa Al Sudairi , the first woman on Saudi Arabia’s alpine skiing team 
• 🇸🇦🏃🏽‍♀️ EP 46 - Jude Jamjoom - the Co-Founder of Jeddah Tribe, a thriving Tri community in Saudi Arabia 
• 🇬🇧🤸🏻‍♀️ EP 23 - Sarah Mercer, a UAE Based Olympic gymnast for team GB who’s Olympic journey to the 1992 Barcelona Olympics was far from linear 

This episode series is dedicated to the memory of Palestinian Karate Champion, Nagham Abu Samra (1999-2024). For more information on Nagham, please visit the following articles HERE and HERE. 

If you've been enjoying our content and finding value in our discussions, please take a quick moment to show your support. Just hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to us so that you never miss an episode.

Please also leave a review - 5 ⭐ only - and follow @themettleset on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. This really helps us in our commitment to bring you the best possible show and the most interesting guests. 

We hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn & Afshan 

We’ve taken some of the best moments from the 50+ episodes that we’ve recorded to share with you tales of joy, mettle, courage  and wisdom from an amazing array of women in sport from across the region. 

If you haven’t checked out the first and second in the series, Episode 57 & 58, please go do that HERE and HERE. 

In this episode, you’ll hear stories from: 

• 🇩🇪 🐪 EP5 - Linda Krockenberger - the UAE’s first female camel jockey trainer 
• 🇦🇪 🚴🏽‍♀️  EP28 - Safiya Al Sayegh  - the first Emirati woman on the Women’s WorldTour and first Emirati woman set to compete in Cycling at the Summer Olympics
• 🇮🇷 🚵🏽‍♀️ EP20 - Faranak Partoatozar - an Iranian Mountain BIke champion, who recently became the first woman to podium in cycling  at the Asian games for Iran 
• 🇦🇪 🏋🏽‍♀️ EP3 - Amna Al Haddad - a barrier breaking Emirati powerlifter who’s many accomplishments paved the way for future generations of emirati athletes 
• 🇦🇺 🏊🏼‍♀️EP28 - Jessica Smith  - a UAE based Australian who uses her experience as a Paraolympian and personal story of  to drive home the importance diversity and inclusion 

This episode series is dedicated to the memory of Palestinian Karate Champion, Nagham Abu Samra (1999-2024). For more information on Nagham, please visit the following articles HERE and HERE. 

If you've been enjoying our content and finding value in our discussions, please take a quick moment to show your support. Just hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to us so that you never miss an episode.

Please also leave a review - 5 ⭐ only - and follow @themettleset on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. This really helps us in our commitment to bring you the best possible show and the most interesting guests. 

We hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn & Afshan 

We’ve taken some of the best moments from the 50+ episodes that we’ve recorded to share with you tales of joy, mettle, courage  and wisdom from an amazing array of women in sport from across the region. 

If you haven’t checked out the first in the series, Episode 57, please go do that HERE. 

 In this episode, you’ll hear stories from: 

• 🇲🇦 EP 45 - Moroccan Golfer, Maha Haddoui, the first Arab women on the Ladies European Tour 
• 🇸🇦 EP 15 - Saudi Triathlon Trailblazer, Dina Al Tayeb, the first Saudi National and first Arab woman to complete the Ironman World Championships in Kona 
• 🇧🇭 EP 44 - Bahraini Ultra-Runner Fatema Husain, the first Bahraini man or woman to finish UTMB, the world’s toughest ultra race and last but not least 
• 🇮🇳 EP 4  - UAE Based Anisha Shetty of India, A two time UAE Muay Thai Champion and three time national Muay Thai champion for India 

This episode series is dedicated to the memory of Palestinian Karate Champion, Nagham Abu Samra (1999-2024). For more information on Nagham, please visit the following articles HERE and HERE. 

If you've been enjoying our content and finding value in our discussions, please take a quick moment to show your support. Just hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to us so that you never miss an episode.

Please also leave a review - 5 ⭐ only - and follow @themettleset on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. This really helps us in our commitment to bring you the best possible show and the most interesting guests. 

We hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn & Afshan 

For us, everyday is International Women’s Day as we work to help create a more welcoming, equitable and just sports industry for all athletes.  Since our first episode went live in October 2022, we’ve had the opportunity to speak with an amazing array of wise women in sport  - from across the region, and beyond it  - who were kind enough to share their stories, their insights and advice and throughout it all, their strength. 

In honour of our many guests, we wanted to compile some moments to share with you these stories of mettle, friendship, fun, identity, purpose, new beginnings, and big accomplishments from athletes all across the region.

This episode features: 

• EP 19 Guest - Lebanese Mountaineer - Nelly Attar 
• EP 10 Guest -  Saudi Motorsport Star - Dania Akeel 
• EP 2 Guest - UAE-Based Endurance Athlete - Ivana Kolaric 
• EP 9 Guest -  Afghan Triathlete - Zeinab Rezai 
• EP 27 Guest -  Guest Emirati Crossfitter Shahad Budebs 

This episode series is dedicated to the memory of Palestinian Karate Champion, Nagham Abu Samra (1999-2024). For more information on Nagham, please visit the following articles HERE and HERE. 

If you've been enjoying our content and finding value in our discussions, please take a quick moment to show your support. Just hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to us so that you never miss an episode.

If you've been enjoying our content and finding value in our discussions, please take a quick moment to show your support. Just hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to us so that you never miss an episode.

Please also leave a review - 5 ⭐ only - and follow @themettleset on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. This really helps us in our commitment to bring you the best possible show and the most interesting guests. 

We hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn & Afshan

The first part of this REWIND episode came out last week, and you can access it directly from here: EP55: Part 1 Female athlete health: Sports and Exercise Medicine doctor Kate Jordan on common injuries, LEA and right fuelling for performance.

In this episode, we go deeper into our discussion on training on your menstrual cycle, hormones, the importance of supplements, and strength and resistance training as we age. 

We would like to add that this is a general discussion on athlete health and any information in this podcast is for educational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute a personal consultation with a physician, diagnosis or treatment.  If you have any health concerns, please speak to your doctor. 

We hope you enjoy the episode! 

To know more about Dr. Kate Jordan, visit find her on LinkedIn.

Today’s episode was supported by the awesome and adventurous team at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool. Check them out for some truly awe-inspiring scuba and freedive experiences. Visit www.deepdivedubai.com

 For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Dawn

Sports, and injuries from it, tend to impact female athletes in a different way to their male counterparts. 

Yet, it is only now that awareness and medical research has ramped up around the gender differences in sports medicine. 

Joining us on today’s show to discuss some of the most pressing issues in female athlete health is Dr Kate Jordan, a sports and exercise medicine physician at Mediclinic Parkview Hospital in Dubai.

Dr Jordan has worked with elite athletes throughout her career. She’s been with international teams at the London 2021 Olympics, Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games,  She has also been with the British Olympic team, Scottish Rugby and Football, and at the Scottish Institute of Sports.

Dr Jordan is currently working with British Swimming, for World Rugby as a tournament doctor and a medical educator, and in anti-doping. 

Having treated a wide range of illnesses and injuries in elite sports, Dr Jordan shares insights from her personal experiences with patients and current research around female health. She also demystifies female health concerns and talks about the need to look closely at the performance vs long-term health balance. 

This is the first or our two part interview with Dr Jordan where we explore common injuries in female athletes, Low Energy Availability, disordered eating and the right fuelling for performance and health. 

Tune in next week for Part 2 where we discuss training, the menstrual cycle, hormones and menopause, as well.

We would like to add that this is a general discussion on female athlete health and any information in this podcast is for educational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute a personal consultation with a physician, diagnosis or treatment if you have any health concerns. 

Enjoy!

To know more about Dr. Kate Jordan, find her on LinkedIn.

Today’s episode was supported by the awesome and adventurous team at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool. Check them out for some truly awe-inspiring scuba and freedive experiences. Visit www.deepdivedubai.com

For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Dawn

@dawnable 

In today’s episode, we speak to one of the unsung heroines of the event, Vickie Gunnarss, Senior Director, Global Partnerships and Business Development for IMG Tennis Events.

Our Vickie  provides many lessons and learnings for any of our listeners who want to work in sport and perhaps is very relatable to those who do work in sport. We also cover: 

 🎾 Vickie’s own path into sport which started in childhood in Sweden

🎾 Tennis School and how she became a scholarship athlete in the USA 

🎾 Representation in Tennis, 

🎾 How Tennis is moving towards pay equity,  

🎾 The role of Tennis great Billie Jean King and what it means to all women in sport 

🎾 How she made the transition from athlete to sports management. 

Last but certainly not least, we chat through all the anticipated action of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open and why you must go. We get a little explainer on what it means for this event to be a WTA 500 event, we talk about the stars of the event, which this year will include World No 6, Tunisia’s own Ons Jabeur, Naomi Osaka, and Emma Raducanu just to name a few. Buy your tickets here: https://www.mubadalaabudhabiopen.com/tickets/

Another cool event that Vickie played a key role in bringing to life is the Jasmin Open in Tunisia which you can read all about HERE. 

Please also leave a review - 5 ⭐ only - and follow @themettleset on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. This really helps us in our commitment to bring you the best possible show and the most interesting guests. 

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore. 

We hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn & Afshan 

If you’ve arrived at Part 2 of our chat with Ishtar Azzawi, the founder of Baghdad Skate Girls, after listening to Part 1,  fabulous. We hope you enjoyed it! If not, we urge you to head to Part 1 of this episode to listen to the inspiring origin story of a skateboarding community exclusively for women in Iraq. 

This instalment dives into Ishtar’s professional sporting career in jiu-jitsu. Since starting the sport, after moving to the UAE in 2011, Ishtar has become a multi-national and international gold medallist competing under Commando Group UAE academy, and is part of the Iraqi National Team. Her recent and most recognised titles include World Pro Champion (April 2019) European Master Champion (May 2019) Grand Slam Champion (Jan 2019) and Asian Champion (2017).

Ishtar discusses what she has learnt from the sport that has made her the person she is today, and anecdotes from her time in the ring and off it. We also talk about the not-so-apparent connection between skateboarding and jiu-jitsu, which aren’t really at two ends of the sporting spectrum after all. 

To find Ishtar on Instagram:  @ishtar_azzawi

Baghdad Skate Girls can be followed on @baghdadskategirls

To know more about Ishtar’s efforts with Forsah, the NGO supporting Iraq’s future Olympians, visit https://www.forsah.org/

For more information about the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, visit https://events.uaejjf.org/en

If you've been enjoying our content and finding value in our discussions, please take a quick moment to show your support. Just hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to us so that you never miss an episode.

Please also leave a review - 5 ⭐ only - and follow @themettleset on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. This really helps us in our commitment to bring you the best possible show and the most interesting guests. 

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore. 

We hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn & Afshan

It’s fitting because this jiu-jitsu champ, and our guest, who has represented her country Iraq in the sport while living abroad all her life had always felt that her true calling had gone unanswered. So, last year, she decided to pack her life in the UAE and head home to Baghdad. 

The planting season symbolises more than just a departure from the comfort of a privileged life and unrestricted access to resources in professional sport for her. It signifies a profound shift in purpose and towards embracing her roots, and marks the inception of a new chapter of sowing the seeds of social change in Iraq through another sport - skateboarding. 

Remarkably, venturing into unfamiliar territory as an amateur skateboarder herself, Azzawi founded Baghdad Skate Girls in December with the aim of bringing the transformative power of skateboarding to women in Iraq. 

The benefits of introducing the sport in war-torn and war-scarred countries is well-documented. Within that backdrop in Iraq, Baghdad Skate Girls has been fostering resilience, confidence and community, particularly for young women challenging societal norms. 

In Part 1 of this episode, Ishtar shares why she had to move to Iraq in search of fulfilment and her aspiration to build foundations for young athletes with Olympic dreams. We discuss how one Instagram post began a skateboarding movement in Baghdad, and how it has been received by society. And while the first steps to building a skateboarding community have been taken, Ishtar tells us about the challenges and resources needed to grow and flourish. 

Also, don’t forget to check out Part 2 next where she discusses her journey into jiu-jitsu and some pre-fight rituals. 

To find Ishtar on Instagram:  @ishtar_azzawi

Baghdad Skate Girls can be followed on @baghdadskategirls

To know more about Ishtar’s efforts with Forsah, the NGO supporting Iraq’s future Olympians, visit https://www.forsah.org/

For more information on other skating organisations working with young people around the world:

Skatistan, visit https://skateistan.org/

Skate Pal, visit: https://www.skatepal.co.uk/

Seven Hills, visit: https://www.7hillspark.com/

If you've been enjoying our content and finding value in our discussions, please take a quick moment to show your support. Just hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to us so that you never miss an episode.

Please also leave a review - 5 ⭐ only - and follow @themettleset on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. This really helps us in our commitment to bring you the best possible show and the most interesting guests. 

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore. 

On to the show…enjoy!

Dawn & Afshan

Like so many across the world, we’ve found it truly difficult to make sense of what is happening in this little strip of land on the Mediterranean Sea. Like many also, we’ve spent the past three months, learning more historical context, hoping for peace and doing what we can to show the world that athletes - living in, and from the wider Middle East, Palestinians included  - want nothing more than what any of us want, to live in peace, security, & freedom and to experience all the joy that life offers. 

In this episode, we discuss the original mission and origins of the Gaza Sunbirds including the story of its founder Alaa al-Dali and the circumstances that saw him go from Olympic hopeful to amputee and then para-athlete in his new reality. We learn about members of the team, what life was like for this team of para-cyclists before October 7, how their mission has changed and what hopes they have for the future. 

As we mention in the episode, below are some resources and further information that we invite you to check out: 

• 🇵🇸 Athletes for Palestine @AthletesForPalestine -  https://linktr.ee/athletesforpalestine 
• 🚲 The Gaza Sunbirds (@GazaSunBirds) 
• First Flight - The Gaza Sunbirds in Rouleur from August, 2022

Some historical context: 

• Amnesty International - information first published February 2022 
• Amnesty International - information on The  Great March of Return first published  2019 

Palestinian Sport Teams & Accounts to Check Out: 

• 🛹  Skate Pal (@skate_pal) - a charity organisation supporting young people in Palestine through Skateboarding 
• 🚲 Cycling Palestine (@cyclingpalestine) a cycling group in the Occupied West Bank 
• 🧗🏾‍♀️ Wadi Climbing - (@wadi_cimbing) a palestinian climbing group in the Occupied West Bank 
• 🏄🏾‍♂️ Gaza Surf Club (@gazasurfclub) - a surf club in Gaza 

We hope you were touched by this episode as much as we were and thank you again for listening. 

Dawn & Afshan 

PS:  If you've been enjoying our content and finding value in our discussions, please take a quick moment to show your support. Just hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to us so that you never miss an episode.

PPS: Please also leave a review - 5 ⭐ only - and follow @themettleset on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. This really helps us in our commitment to bring you the best possible show and the most interesting guests. 

Remember the first time you heard about the sport dressage? Did you have to google it or are you reaching for your phone right now? You’re not alone! Even in a country where we are based - the UAE-  and a region where equestrian traditions date back centuries, dressage (and we’ve just dropped a hint here), is only just growing in popularity.

So, what do you find when you google dressage? A captivating equestrian art form, a meticulously orchestrated dance that unfolds gracefully between rider and horse—a true synergy of kindred spirits.

In the UAE, dressage is experiencing a surge in popularity, marked by a remarkable 120% increase in rider registrations over the past year, with 20% of them being Emirati participants. 

Today, we're joined by our guest, Natalie Lankester, an accomplished equestrian who proudly represented the UAE alongside her four-legged companion, Cash DXB, at the 19th Asian Games in September. Their performance took them all the way to the Freestyle Dressage qualifying round of the competition.

For Natalie, horse riding is a familial legacy, and upon moving to the UAE, dressage became everything from a competitive outlet to therapy.  In this sport, where proficiency deepens with age and experience, Natalie shares insights into her profound connection with her horses and their welfare in sports, the collaborative training journey, the honour of representing the UAE internationally, her remarkable performance at the Asian Games, and the promising trajectory of dressage in the Emirates.

For cyclists accustomed to only grappling with bike "mechanicals," this conversation offered us a unique perspective in the delicate partnership in equestrian sports.

To find Natalie on Instagram: @natalie_lankester_dressage and @dxbhorses

For more about equestrian sports in the UAE visit the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation: https://uaeerf.ae/en/

Natalie's sponsors include LeMieux (@lemieuxproductsofficial) and Saddle Box Spain (@saddleboxspain)

Natalie is represented by @wearedarkhorse.co and thank you to Hannah and team for organizing this interview!

If you've been enjoying our content and finding value in our discussions, please take a quick moment to show your support. Just hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to us so that you never miss an episode.

Please also leave a review - 5 ⭐ only - and follow @themettleset on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. This really helps us in our commitment to bring you the best possible show and the most interesting guests. 

We hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn & Afshan 

As the name suggests, the podcast is all about bikes. From ultra- to adventure, the pain cave to the peloton and lots of type-two fun, The Just Bikes Podcast will feature a host of guests from all over the world to talk about all things cycling and cycling culture. 

Follow us on IG at @justbikesthepodcast.

Don’t forget to subscribe, like and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Five stars only!

The podcast is launching with the support of the @SpinneysDubai92, a cycle challenge for everyone, including host Dawn Barnable as this was her very first race.

Join one of three events, all starting & ending at Expo City Dubai this 24-25th February, 2024.  For more info on the Junior Rides, the 35 km TotalEnergies Outride, and the 92 km Main Event, hop on over to @spinneysdubai92 or visit cyclechallenge.ae. 

This is a young country with a rich history and a vibrancy that is hard to beat. That’s why it's a pleasure today to have a rising Emirati star - and our youngest guest ever -, 15 year-old snowboarder Amenah Al Muhairi as our guest. 

Yes, you heard that correctly, Amenah is an up and coming snowboarder hailing from the United Arab Emirates, a country where winter temperatures usually sit at a very nice 26 degrees celsius. 

Amenah is the first Emirati snowboarder to represent the UAE in an international snowboarding competition which she did earlier this year at the World Junior Championships in Freestyle Snowboarding in New Zealand.

Amenah is also our first snowboarder on the podcast and also in a first for us, it is the first time that we have an athlete parent duo as guests as Amenah’s Mum Maya also joins us to discuss Amenah’s exciting future in sport.  

We loved this chat so much that we covered a lot so we’ve split this episode in two parts, with Part Two live now as well. 

To find Amenah on Instagram: @itsamenahalmuhairi

For more information on: 

• Mubadala, visit https://www.mubadala.com 
• Ski Dubai, visit: https://www.skidxb.com 

If you've been enjoying our content and finding value in our discussions, please take a quick moment to show your support. Just hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to us so that you never miss an episode.

Please also leave a review - 5 ⭐ only - and follow @themettleset on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. This really helps us in our commitment to bring you the best possible show and the most interesting guests. 

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore. 

We hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn & Afshan

If you haven’t checked out Part One, you may want to pause and go back and do that now! It’s a great chat about Amenah’s start in sports, her and her family’s approach to training as well as wise words from Amenah herself. 

In this - Part Two, we’re chatting through Amenah’s future plans including Olympic aspirations, and the wonderful support she’s received through sponsors. We also chat through what more needs to be done more broadly in the sports eco-system to ensure that all young athletes are able to live up to their full potential. 

We also chat through why Amenha is not not only aiming for the stars, but also the moon!  

To find Amenah on Instagram: @itsamenahalmuhairi

For more information on: 

• Mubadala, visit https://www.mubadala.com 
• Ski Dubai, visit: https://www.skidxb.com 
• The UAE Winter Sports Federation, check them out on @uaewsf

If you've been enjoying our content and finding value in our discussions, please take a quick moment to show your support. Just hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to us so that you never miss an episode.

Please also leave a review - 5 ⭐ only - and follow @themettleset on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. This really helps us in our commitment to bring you the best possible show and the most interesting guests. 

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore. 

We hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn & Afshan

Among Hannah’s many accolades are a Silver in the 2012 London Olympics, a Gold in the 2016 Rio Olympics and another gold in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.  That’s certainly not where it started or ended for Hannah with multiple gold, silver and bronze medals to her name from the World Championships, World Junior Championships, European Championships and European Junior Championships. 

In this episode, we chat through Hannah’s start in sport, her early ambitions - sparked by watching the Olympics as a child - and how they were both realised with her gold medal win in 2016 and also it led to a full circle moment with her newest endeavour, as a Strategist with team Emirates GBR in the relatively new, and undoubtedly riveting SailGP, also known as the world’s most exciting racing on water. 

Hannah also educates us on this amazing new sport format and its focus on both equality and sustainability - a particular passion point for Hannah who thanks to her work in this space has been recognised as a International Olympic Committee (IOC) Sustainability Ambassador. 

Catch Hannah on the socials on at @hannahmills_gbr and her team Emirates GBR at @emiratesgbrsailgp 

We discuss lots more but as promised, please find below some links and details including dates and how to purchase tickets for Sail GP. 

🗓️ Sail GP will be in Dubai on 9-10 December, and in Abu Dhabi on 13-14 January so please check it out!

🎟️ For information on Sail GP and to buy tickets or watch online, please visit https://sailgp.com. 

Also as promised, please find info on Hannah’s, and Sail GP’s programmes and initiatives to promote equality & sustainability:

• 🍃 The Big Plastic Pledge @big_plastic_pledge
• 🌎 Athletes of the World https://athletesoftheworld.org 
• 👩🏽 SailGP’s Women Pathway Program 
• ⛵ SailGP’s Impact League AKA the Podium for The Planet 
• 📰 And hot off the press is news that SailGP will Highlight its commitment to climate action with the first ever ‘Race for The Future’ Takeover in Dubai. Check it out HERE. 

If you've been enjoying our content and finding value in our discussions, please take a quick moment to show your support. Just hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to us so that you never miss an episode.

Please also leave a review - 5 ⭐ only - and follow @themettleset on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. This really helps us in our commitment to bring you the best possible show and the most interesting guests. 

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore. 

We hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn & Afshan 

What we didn’t know, and as she announced on our show, is that she has become the first ever civilian woman to be embedded with Oman’s military mountaineering team where she is learning techniques to cope with treacherous terrains. At the time of release of this episode, her training had just begun and she expects this to be one her biggest challenges yet. We’re pretty sure that we were the first to hear about this, and now you are too! 

In this episode, you’ll also hear how Nadhira started Mountaineering at the age of 42, inspired by her late mentor,  Khalid Al-Siyabi, the first Omani to summit Everest. We’ll chat through her childhood in remote Oman, how she came to find ultra-running having not even run 10km before and how all of this has led to a deep appreciation for the outdoors and has been a catalyst for her personal growth and achievement. 

This is a heartwarming, inspiring, fun and funny chat that we know you’ll love as much as we did. 

To find Nadhira online, please visit: https://nadhira-alharthy.com or on instagram at @alharthynoor. 

If you've been enjoying our content and finding value in our discussions, please take a quick moment to show your support. Just hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to us so that you never miss an episode.

Please also leave a review - 5 ⭐ only - and follow @themettleset on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. This really helps us in our commitment to bring you the best possible show and the most interesting guests. 

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore. 

We hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn & Afshan 

Remember, your voice matters!

🇵🇸 Relief Efforts 

• Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF)- https://www.pcrf.net
• Emirates Red Crescent - https://www.emiratesrc.ae
• International Committee of the Red Cross - https://www.icrc.org/en 

Share Your voice, If you live in Canada, Australia, the UK or the US, please find below links to help contact your elected representatives: 

• 🇨🇦 📝Canada -  Independent Jewish Voices Canada (IJV) 
• 🇦🇺 📝Australia - Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN)  
• 🇺🇸 📝United States - Jewish Voices for Peace 
• 🇬🇧 📝United Kingdom - Muslim Council of Britain 

🇵🇸 Independent Journalists on the ground in Gaza: 

• Motaz Azisza - @Motaz_Azisza  
• Plestia Alaqad -@ByPlestia
• Wissam Nassar @WissamGaza 
• Ahmed Eldin @ahmedeldin

Independent News Organisations & NGOs to follow: 

• @theimeu
• @middleeasteye
• @jewishvoiceforpeace
• The Ireland Palestine Alliance 

🎙️ Podcast: 

•  The Inside Story Podcast by Al Jazeera
•  This is Palestine - The Institute of Middle East Understanding 

Sports Organisations & Groups: 

• The Gaza Sunbirds (@GazaSunBirds) - a paracycling team from the Gaza Strip 
• Gaza Skate Team (@gaza_skate_team) - a skateboarding team from Gaza City 
• Skate Pal (@skate_pal) - a charity organisation supporting young people in Palestine through Skateboarding 

Our show today is as power-packed as our guest when the gun goes off on a run track.

Aziza Sbaity, who has earned the title of the Fastest Woman in Lebanese History, joined us for a chat right after her first track and field training session of the season - as she starts her prep to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Aziza has come out of a very busy first half of the year, winning gold in the 200m sprint at the West Asian Athletics Championships in April, at the Arab Athletics Championship in June, and a silver in the 100m in that race.  

That’s not all, she also broke the 100m sprint national record in May – for the SIXTH time - doing the dash in an impressive 11.54 secs.

But it was her performance at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships that left her with a deep introspection, respect for her body and maturity as an athlete – all of which we’ll get into on the show.

Aziza tells us about her move from Liberia to Lebanon at 10, and how being a Lebanese with mixed heritage shaped her childhood, and her views on identity and representation as an athlete.

We discuss what it takes to be an Olympic hopeful in a highly competitive landscape and how, despite the challenges of resources and athlete support, there’s a will to grow access to sports for everyone in Lebanon. It’s also one of the reasons Aziza continues to give back through her community initiatives.  

One of them has been her constant collaboration with the Beirut Marathon Association, which has been spearheading the growth of the running community in the country. For those of you who have been following us for a while may remember that I did the Beirut International Marathon, my first one - last year. You’ll hear more about the association’s impact in the episode, and we’ll got links below to our previous episodes on the association. 

For us, this chat also turned into a guide to mastering the mind with Japanese concepts of self-reflection and how elite athletes can navigate the pressures of expectations. 

Dawn and I are keenly following Aziza’s journey and many endeavors in sports, and you can too by following her on @azizasbaity on Instagram. 

To listen to our coverage on the Beirut International Marathon:

🏃🏽‍♀️The story of unity and peace in the region through running with Francoise Nehme, the director of operations for the Beirut International Marathon. 

❔Can anyone run a marathon?

🧾My First Marathon Debrief 

If you've been enjoying our content and finding value in our discussions, please take a quick moment to show your support. Just hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to us so that you never miss an episode.

Please also leave a review - 5 ⭐ only - and follow @themettleset on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. This really helps us in our commitment to bring you the best possible show and the most interesting guests. 

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore. 

We hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn & Afshan 

Jude Jamjoon is the Co-Founder and President of Jeddah Tribe and to call this a Tri Club, would be accurate but it would miss the fact that it is also an event series and really at its core, a robust community that offers training, mentorship, support & encouragement for triathletes of all levels, including those who are yet to become triathletes. 

This episode is about the power of community or tribe as it were. As you'll hear, Jude shares with us her own story of triathlon - which remarkably started in 2018 -  and how she was supported by a tribe of people that included her family, friends and sometimes surprisingly, complete strangers. 

Since recording this episode, Jude was recognised with a 2023 World Triathlon Women’s Committee Award of Excellence.  We’re sharing some links so you too, can check out further info on Jeddah Tribe and Triathlon in Saudi Arabia, as well as some of our former podcast guests mentioned in this episode. 

More info & links:

• 🏃🏾‍♀️ Jeddah Tribe including their race calendar: https://jeddahtribe.com and on Instagram @jeddahtribe
• 🏊🏼‍♀️ The Saudi Triathlon Federation: https://www.triathlon.sa
• 🏆 For more information on Jude’s World Triathlon Award of Excellence, click here 
• 🎽 Chairman of Saudi Triathlon Federation, Ali Magboul in Episode 40a of The Mettleset Podcast 
• 🚴🏽‍♀️ Triathlon Trailblazer Dr Dina AlTayeb in Episode 15 of The Mettleset Podcast 

If you've been enjoying our content and finding value in our discussions, please take a quick moment to show your support. Just hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to us so that you never miss an episode.

Please also leave a review - 5 ⭐ only - and follow @themettleset on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. This really helps us in our commitment to bring you the best possible show and the most interesting guests. 

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore. 

We hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn & Afshan 

Our guest today is from Morocco, a country that was recently rocked by a devastating earthquake. We would like to take a moment to acknowledge the loss that Morocco has experienced and our thoughts are with its people during this difficult time. We’ve also linked some global aid initiatives that you can support below. 

Back to today’s guest and an honest unveiling of the hustle behind the glamour of professional golf. Moroccan golfer Maha Haddioui made headlines when she became the first Arab to gain playing privileges on the Ladies European Tour 10 years back. It’s an honour that has gone on to inspire many more women from the region to dream of a career in golf.

But beyond the headlines, getting there - and staying there  - is no easy feat.  Being one of the toughest individual sports, the odds of becoming a pro golfer are between 0.4% down to 0.006%. 

Add to that being a woman in the sport, and the challenges of fewer tournaments, a much smaller prize purse and pool of sponsors, and lack of visibility can make this a career that needs a Plan B. 

But Maha took a gamble on herself, getting the LET tour card and then going to the Olympics twice - in 2016 Brazil and 2021 Tokyo - the latter being the highlight of her career as she scored a hole-in-one. We found a clip of the EPIC shot HERE. 

In this episode, we discuss Maha’s journey into golf and the immense joy it brings her, but we also chat about the mental fortitude and discipline required to keep going in the game. 

We discuss strategies to keep your cool through frustrating shots and the power of visualisation for wins. Maha also shares her insights on the changing face of golf and major moves to elevate the women’s game by countries in the region. 

To follow Maha Haddioui, head to @mahahaddioui 

To know more about the Ladies European Tour, visit ladieseuropeantour.com

Follow updates from the Saudi Aramco Team Series by visiting aramcoteamseries.com 

To support aid Initiatives for Morocco, head to:

Moroccan Red Crescent Society

Global Giving 

Unicef 

If you've been enjoying our content and finding value in our discussions, please take a quick moment to show your support. Just hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to us so that you never miss an episode.

Please also leave a review - 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ only - and follow @themettleset on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. This really helps us in our commitment to bring you the best possible show and the most interesting guests. 

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore. 

Find us on @themettleset. 

We hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn & Afshan 

In fact, the highest point in the entire country is only 134m above sea level and that’s not even open to the public.  Why is that relevant you may ask?  

Well, our guest today just completed what is widely considered the hardest ultramarathon in the world, UTMB.  For those who don’t know UTMB stands for the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc, a 171 km trail race with 10,000m of elevation -  all with a time limit of 46 hours and 30 minutes. 

Fatema Husain is the first Bahraini National - woman or man to complete this race and she is here to tell us all about it. 

This year UTMB  started on Friday, 1st of September at 6pm and as it always does, it traversed the Tour Du Mont Blanc hiking path across France, Italy & Switzerland.  All starting and ending in Chamonix with the magnificent Mont Blanc as the backdrop to the start and finish line. 

What’s more remarkable is that Fatema once didn’t consider herself a runner, in fact it took her a year and a half to build up to running 3 km on a treadmill.  

Fatema is determination embodied and our chat with her has already given us some ideas about taking on the Tour Du Mont Blanc ourselves. 

In today’s episode we chat with Fatema about how she went from having very little physical activity in her day-to-day life to completing what many consider the pinnacle of the ultra running race calendar. 

We chat through how she built up her endurance over the past ten years from running to running ultras. Her cycling career - yes, she is also a Bahraini National cycling champ… and the day-by-day of UTMB, including the support she got along the way, racing against cut off times and making peace with pain. 

We also hear what it felt like carrying the Bahraini flag over the UTMB finish line for the first time ever. 

For more information on UTMB visit: https://utmb.world

To follow Fatema Husain on Instagram, follow @FateMoves 

We were also delighted to see the celebration and acknowledgement that Fatema has received since arriving home. For more information check out the Bahrain News Agency article here. 

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore. 

Find us on @themettleset

We hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn & Afshan 

I hope you’re all doing well. Summer 2023 is over and well, mine was EPIC with not one, but two adventures involving bikes. 

Today’s episode is all about bikepacking in South Korea, more specifically, the 4 Rivers BIke Path in South Korea:  approx 600 km of mostly car-free, dedicated bike paths extending from the Capital city, Seoul, to the southern sea-side city of Busan. I did this in four and a half days in early July. 

In today’s episode, Afshan and I chatted through what Bikepacking in Korea was like. The good, bad and the questionable hotels. As you’ll hear or may discover if you are now looking for information on the 4 Rivers Bike Path, it may be a little disjointed or hard to find so I’m sharing some resources below that may be helpful.  

The Four Rivers Trail - Full Ride with GPS Map 

This is the file that I used. Just a note that this file goes a little beyond the official end of the path as I learned. Keep an eye out for the KWater center at the end. 

My Day by Day Strava Segments 

My strava segments are below and will take you each night to a hotel if you want to recreate the full experience. :) 

• Day 1 - https://www.strava.com/activities/9392400708
• Day 2 - https://www.strava.com/activities/9398669925
• Day 3 - https://www.strava.com/activities/9403583994 
• Day 4 - https://www.strava.com/activities/9410403128
• Day 5 - https://www.strava.com/activities/9415692577 

NAVER 

As noted in the episode, Google maps does not work in Korea, nor really does booking.com so Naver is your go-to for navigation when you need to go off piste from the GPX route to find hotels and/or food. Naver also outlines bike paths so will get you back on the Four Rivers Path easily. I would recommend buying a cell phone holder for your handlebars so you can easily navigate with Naver as and when you need it. 

Additional Ultra Cycling Episodes

If a timed bikepacking adventure is your jam:  

• Episode 1 - How I went from Zero to Ultra in (a little over) 3 months 
• Episode 16 -  So you want to be an ultra-cyclist? Coach Niel Copeland chats about just exactly what it takes 
• Episode 16a - Ultra-Eating - Coach Niel Copeland chats race nutrition 
• Episode  24 - The Women of Race Around Rwanda - PT 1 
• Episode 25 - The Women of Race Around Rwanda PT 2 
• Episode 29 - Race Around Rwanda - Dawn’s DNF Story Pt 1 
• Episode 29a - Race Around Rwanda - Dawn’s DNF Story Pt 2

For more info on my bike the GXR Kevin, visit Curve Cycling.

Thanks for listening!

Dawn & Afshan

Dawn and I are enjoying a summer away from our adopted home Dubai, but are always thinking about you, our listeners, and how we can bring you the most diverse and relatable chats with athletes from the region and beyond.

If you’ve arrived at our show for the first time - welcome, there’s a lot of amazing content to go through, and hit that like and subscribe button for future updates and episodes. If you’ve been following us for a while, you’re always in good company. Keep listening and loving, as always. Please also follow us on our social @themettleset on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn .  

Dawn introduced our summer series in the last episode, dedicated to the Beginner Mindset which, undoubtedly, will take anyone listening down memory lane.

I vividly remember mine was a 90km undulating gradient bike race in the Liwa desert, in the far-flung western region of the UAE, just two months after learning how to ride a bike in 2020, having missed that milestone as a child.

Unshackled from any pressure of time, power or performance, and unknown in the strava -sphere, the goal was to keep pedalling and be in the moment, enjoy it. And no matter how the race goes, the outcome would lead to growth - personal and athletic.

Ultra-cyclists who Dawn interviews in this EP41: 🚴‍♀️🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️ Ultra-Cycling & the Beginner’s Mindset: Three Ultra-Cyclists share their first race experience recount the first time they found themselves on the start line of a race. Their journey is energising , so do give it a listen.  You’ll find the show wherever you get your podcasts fix.

Today, I’m bringing you start line stories from athletes who don’t just take on one challenge but three different ones in a single day. Triathletes compete in swimming, biking and running - in that order - over total distances ranging from short sprints of 12.9km to long-distances that go up to 226km.

You’ll hear from Asma Al Janahi, John Senger, Katerina Malhi and Zahraa Alkhaleesi , all triathletes who found this multiport at different stages of their lives. You’ll find yourself in their experiences - jumping into the unknown, fear of doing something for the first time, falling ill but showing up to see how resilient you can be. What’s uplifting is that they all endured and kept returning to learn and grow from each race.

In her book A Life Without Limits: A World Champion’s Journey, Chrissie Wellington OBE, the English former professional triathlete, and four-time Ironman Triathlon World Champion describes her mindset as: “There is never a destination, just the impulse to grow. My only policy through, she says “has been to keep an open mind and whatever I may do, to give it my all,”, which is exactly what I took away from listening to the experiences shared in this episode.

Before I give the floor to the athletes in today’s show, I’d like to say that there are few commonalities in beginners - the eagerness to improve, building one’s self-confidence, enthusiasm to transform and above all humility. Even as we grow in our sports, it will serve us well to remind ourselves of those beginner qualities that lead to a growth mindset.

To find out more about the Ironman races mentioned in this episode, visit ironman.com.  

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

For more info, visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

We hope you enjoy the show!

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

I hope you are having a wonderful summer. Before I get into this episode, we want to remind you that we now have a YouTube channel. Expect video episodes - live right now- and new and fun types of content. Please subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@themettleset 

So back to this episode. This is the start of a new series which is dedicated to the Beginner Mindset. If you’ve been following along you’ll know that throughout the podcast, we’ve had the opportunity to talk with so many amazing women - and men - about achieving some VERY big goals. 

We hope that you find our guests as relatable as we do, and keeping in this spirit, we wanted to share athletes speaking about their very first race or major sports challenge… be it in ultra-cycling, ultra-running, triathlon or even mountaineering.  We wanted to do this to highlight that we all start somewhere and reinforce that there is beauty in the Beginner’s Mindset. 

Today, we focus on self-supported ultra-cycling and you’ll hear from Evelyn Weiss, Ella Barlow and Chris Thomas, as each shares their experience in their very first race. 

Find the athletes and the races they talk about below: 

• Evelyn Weiss (@cyclingneve) discusses the 1,000km/10,000m NorthRace WestPhalia in Germany 
• Ella Barlow (@ellabeebikes) discusses the 1,000km/12,000m BikingMan Portugal in Portugal 
• Chris Thomas (@zemountaingoat) discusses the 330km /8,300m  Le Tour Du Mont Blanc which spans France, Switzerland and Italy 

In this episode you’ll hear about: 

• their sporting background; 
• their chosen first race; 
• how and why they did it; 
• the preparation for the race;  
• what was going through their mind on the startline; 
• the hardest part of the race & the highlight of the race; 
• what the experience taught them; and 
• and what advice they’d give to others thinking of taking on a self-supported ultra cycling race. 

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

We hope you enjoy! 

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

I recently came pretty close to being swept away by the fanaticism of cycling spectators that I had only ever seen when sitting on my couch miles away watching livestreams and reruns of Tour de France.

Last month, I was among thousands of fans crammed on either side of Solar Hill , a climb that is one of the most anticipated points for the 3,500 triathletes participating in Challenge Roth, the annual long-distance triathlon in Germany. Earlier this week, we released our interview with Felix Walschofer, the director of the race. You can head to that episode from here: EP40: 🏊🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️🚴🏾 Why is Challenge Roth on every triathlete's bucket list? Race Director Felix Walchshofer discusses why this record breaking long-distance triathlon in Germany is among the top three races in the world

The crowd on Solar Hill renders the race route almost invisible, parting as cyclists push their pedals to the max, some off their saddle, some sitting and grinding through, to manoeuvre to the top of this climb in the heat of the day.

And even before a cyclist can see it , surely they can hear the deafening jumble of cheers, vuvuzelas, 90s music and slogans and screams, preparing them for the fanfare and hero’s welcome ahead.

Despite the 180km that needs to be cycled on that day, flanked between a swim and a marathon, I see big smiles and an even bigger drive from everyone - perhaps the energy of the spectators becomes what we cyclists jokingly call the hand of god that keeps you pedalling.

Even as someone watching from the sidelines, Solar Hill is a goosebumps moment. And from what we’ve heard from challengers of the 2023 edition of this race, there are many more such pinch me moments on the course.

And in this episode, we’ve asked athletes, who come from all over the world, to recount their race experience.

You’ll hear from those who have done several such races, those who were egged on by friends to do it as their first, those who did it to try and find balance and those who signed up with their partners.

In between my support duties on ground, I also managed to speak with a volunteer who has been assisting the athletes on this course since childhood and a supporter who couldn’t miss her friend’s special day.

The voices you’ll hear and their motivations is what makes sports so special and a fulfilling endeavour.

I hope you enjoy!

To find out more about Challenge Roth, visit www.challenge-roth.com

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

There’s a reason Challenge Roth is considered among the top three long-distance triathlons in the world.

 And each year, the race sells out in under a minute - this year in 40 seconds for the 2024 edition.

As you’ve heard from two triathletes from the Middle East who took on the challenge in June this year, this race is a celebration of endurance, determination and camaraderie - all of which I too got to experience as a spectator this year.

We also did an episode in June with Dubai-based community athlete Najla Hallit on how to prepare for this challenge. Here's the link to it: EP36: 🚴🏾‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️🏊🏼‍♀️Sports for Life: Community athlete Najla Hallit on finding the training and life balance to train the long-distance triathlon Challenge Roth

So, what makes Challenge Roth the Home of Triathlon? Why is this race on every triathletes wish list and how does the organisation and safety of such a massive event pan out?

Once the dust had settled from the 2023 edition, we caught up with race director Felix Walchshofer to find out what makes this one of the biggest races in the world and how participation from the Middle East is growing.

Felix tells us why Challenge Roth is so special for him and shares personal stories of athletes that he has met over the years.

We also discuss the looming issue of safety at such long-distance challenges and how races can evolve to improve the experience for athletes - both pros and amateurs - who travel from all over the world for it.

The snippet that you hear at the start of the episode is from the triathlon festival - yes festival - may have given you a taste of the vibe and energy that athletes and spectators can expect at this race.

But nothing can prepare you for the true essence of it, something that every athlete we spoke to at the race this year told us. You’ll hear more from some of them in an upcoming episode.

Before we dive into this discussion with Felix, I’d like to apologise for the audio quality of this episode as we faced some technical issues when connecting with him virtually for the interview. But I can guarantee that Felix’s passion and account of the race will more than make up for it.

Enjoy!

To follow Felix Walchshoefer, head to @felix_walchshoefer

To find out more about Challenge Roth, visit www.challenge-roth.com

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

You’ve probably listened to our FIFA special episode with UAE National Football Team player and Adidas athlete Areej Al Hammadi last week. And if you haven’t, click through to EP39: ⚽⚽⚽ and FIFA Women's World Cup: UAE National Team football player and Adidas athlete Areej Al Hammadi on the changing face of women's football in the region and globally to hear about how she carved her own path in this sport, and her insights on the ongoing Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

And here’s the fun spill over BONUS from that episode where we asked her some rapid fire questions because we wanted to get to the bottom of her quirky side.

We hope you enjoy!

To know more about Areej,  head to @areej.alhammadi13 and www.areejalhammadi.com

If you want to follow the FIFA Women's World Cup and all its happenings, visit fifa.com

For our episode with Georgia Adderley, the co-founder of Onyx FC, the UAE's first fully female-owned football club, head to EP11: GOALS: Onyx FC Co-Founder Georgia Adderley on community, inclusion and sharing the beautiful game

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

We’re only days away from the 9th edition of the Fifa Women’s World Cup, which is held every four years.

There’s a palpable excitement in the air as women’s football has grown in stature, with an expanding fan base that is now being recognised by sports associations, brands, governments and the media.

This edition of the World Cup, which is being held in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20, is set to become the most attended standalone women’s sporting event in history.

 FIFA has sold over 1m tickets for the event.

 So, we had to get UAE National Team football player and Adidas athlete Areej Al Hammadi on the show for this episode to chat all about football… and the World Cup, of course.

 The 37-year-old Emirati footballer, whose obsession with the sport began by watching the World Cups with her brothers and playing with them as a child, had to carve her own path into playing at a national level at a time when there were very few avenues for women to go pro.

Now, a very well-recognised face, this 2-time Guinness World Record holder has become a role model for other girls and women who aspire to become footballers and make it a career.

Areej lays out the UAE and world football scene for us, with all its challenges and opportunities, and we talk about the Women’s World Cup and what the future holds.

And as FIFA’s President Gianni Infantino so rightly put it recently: “The future is women.” At The Mettleset we know - the NOW is too!

We hope you enjoy the episode!

To know more about Areej,  head to @areej.alhammadi13 and www.areejalhammadi.com

If you want to follow the FIFA Women's World Cup and all its happenings, visit fifa.com

For our episode with Georgia Adderley, the co-founder of Onyx FC, the UAE's first fully female-owned football club, head to EP11: GOALS: Onyx FC Co-Founder Georgia Adderley on community, inclusion and sharing the beautiful game

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

We’re continuing our rewind series this week as Dawn and I are taking a break for some summer adventure.

But we are also working hard on exciting new content and sports stories from the region and beyond. So, keep listening!

In the meantime, here’s an episode that I’ve chosen because I just witnessed one of the most electrifying long-distance triathlons in the world – Challenge Roth in Germany – and our guest was among the 3,500 participants who were there and smashed her race.  

I hope this chat inspires you to explore your own physical and mental limits, and have fun while at it!

See you soon!

*****

January 9, 2023 - If you’ve been paying attention, triathlons are having a moment in the Middle East. More and more athletes from all over the region are taking up the sport.  Equally, Saudi Arabia is seeing a booming interest in sports, especially triathlons, and our guest today has and continues to play a key role in developing it in the region. 

This unintentional trailblazer is Dr. Dina Al Tayeb, who began competing in triathlons back in 2005 when no one was doing it and there really wasn’t any tri community to fall back on. 

Dina became the first Arab and first Saudi national to complete an Ironman distance triathlon. She is also the first Arab woman and Saudi National to qualify and complete the Ironman World Championships in Kona.  And she is the first Saudi National to qualify and compete in the 70.3 World Championships. Feats and titles she never set out to accomplish as she was simply looking to challenge herself in sports. 

In our chat with Dina, she details her start into the world of triathlons when it was largely unheard of, particularly for a Saudi woman. 

Along with being a triathlete, she is a certified Ironman Coach, an entrepreneur, dentist and mother. She also is one of the founding board members of the Saudi Triathlon Federation. 

Dina’s impact cannot be overstated and in fact, the day after our chat with Dina, she featured in the New York Times’ weekend magazine. 

She is an inspiration and role model, a wise owl and the perfect guest for us to welcome into the New Year. 

To follow Dina, check her out on instagram @dina.altayeb

To learn more about Triathlon in Saudi Arabia, visit https://www.triathlon.sa 

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore. 

Our chat with Dina makes us want to push our boundaries a little more this year, and hope you get inspired too! 

For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

We hope you're having an amazing summer. We're working on some great new episodes at the moment. We're also having some new adventures that we can't wait to share with you all. In the meantime, we wanted to share once again the story of Nelly Attar, the first Arab women to summit K2.

We hope that it inspires you to reach new heights!

xDawn

*****

July 22, 2022 – On this day our guest, Nelly Attar, became the first Arab woman to summit K2.

This is historic for the Arab world. Not only is this the world’s second-highest peak after Mount Everest but is also one of the most dangerous mountains to climb. With its peak 8,611 meters high, located in the Karakoram Range in Pakistan, this is famously known as the Savage Mountain.

It was a challenge that the  33-year-old mountaineer took on to honour her late father, who was responsible for sparking that spirit of the outdoors and adventure in her. Unfazed by the facts and figures of the mountain’s challenging terrain,  and some of the most unforgiving conditions and weather on the planet, she went out and achieved her dream. 

In fact, Nelly tells us that she manifested and visualised her accent down to a T. How she’d climb, what she’d do when she got to the top, the fireball outfit that she’d wear, and of course, wanting to raise the flag of Lebanon high.

We go from the ground up to the summit with Nelly in this episode as she narrates her days adopting a tunnel vision as she prepared for this big push, the risk assessment that went into it, and turning to faith in the face of fear. 

Nelly has also seen and experienced the toll such expeditions take on the environment and tells us what mountaineers can do to reduce their impact when they take on such challenges.

To follow Nelly, find her on instagram at @nellyattar  and www.nellyattar.com

Today’s episode was supported by the awesome and adventurous team at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool. Check them out for some truly awe-inspiring scuba and freedive experiences. Visit www.deepdivedubai.com

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore. 

For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

This was a chat filled with lessons and laughter. We hope you enjoy it!

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

We also give you a preview of our upcoming summer series. 

In what may need a spoiler alert if you’re reading this before listening, links to some of the events discussed are as follows:

• Challenge Roth  https://www.challenge-roth.com/en/ 
• The Ladakh Marathon - https://ladakhmarathon.com/
• The Sani2Sea MTB Race: https://sani2c.co.za 

To follow our personal adventures  this summer -  and in training -  follow us on @dawnable  and @afshahmed. 

Thanks for joining us in our journey so far this year. We look forward to sharing more adventures - and stories - with you in the next 6 months… and beyond! 

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

We hope you enjoy! 

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

In a new book by sports journalist Sally Jenkins called The Right Call - What sports teach us about work and life, she says that we are all a combination of light and electricity as much as tissue. Sports and exercise light us up like a swarm of fireflies. 

It sounds romantic but if I have to bring it to reality and layman terms, it’s that rush of joy I feel when I get off my bike after a ride or the sustained high after a run. 

It’s what makes sports not just for the elite and professionals but for everyone - you and me - community athletes. 

And it’s what Najla Hallit, our guest today, discusses with us as she takes on one of the biggest challenges in the triathlon universe and a race on every triathlete’s bucket list - Challenge Roth in Germany - on June 25. 

Najla only started sports in 2020, at the age of 36, and hasn’t looked back since. Challenge Roth, a long-distance triathlon, similar to the Ironman brand, with distances of 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run, is only her second full triathlon.

The long-distance Challenge Roth has been organised by the Challenge Family since 2002.

The  race sees more than 3,500 participants each year. There are more than  260,000 spectators on course cheering them on, along with 7.500 volunteers that keep it going. 

This makes it one of the biggest triathlon festivals on the calendar and a coveted one for every triathlete - pro or amateur. 

Like Jenkins book, this episode is more about what sports can teach you about navigating life from the lens of a community athlete who spent the last four months training for one of her biggest races. 

The discipline, commitment, balance and sacrifice that comes with it as you spend 12 to 16 hours training for an event while also balancing your daily life as a non-professional. We also talk about developing a strong physical and mental foundation to endure and finding a community to keep you going in your sport. 

We are also heading to Germany to cheer the Roth challengers on and soak in the energy of this electrifying race, so stay tuned for more coverage from the ground. 

Enjoy!

To follow Najla Hallit, head to @naj_hallit

To find out more about Challenge Roth, visit www.challenge-roth.com

Today’s episode was supported by the awesome and adventurous team at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool. Check them out for some truly awe-inspiring scuba and freedive experiences. Visit www.deepdivedubai.com

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

 For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

If you’ve been following along, you know I spend a lot of time on a bike. Particularly in the lead-up to a big race. Like many cyclists or athletes who absolutely love one particular sport, I sometimes ignore strength & mobility. Two areas of fitness I also love, but always seem to come second place to cycling. 

Enter Barre Effect in Dubai, which was recommended after a conversation with my coach about cross training. 

In this episode, I speak with Barre Effect Founder Nora Hameidani who shares just exactly what Barre is, her own athletic background, how she came to found Barre Effect and how Barre is not just great for cyclists but everyone who wants to build strength, balance and flexibility.  

We also chat through the challenges of opening a fitness studio in the middle of the global pandemic and how the studio - and its community - are thriving. 

To find Barre Effect online including their class schedule, visit www.barreeffectdxb.com or on IG, @barreeffectdxb. Highly highly recommend. 

To read more about Barre for cyclists, check out this article in Bicycling Magazine and GET TO THE BARRE!  

Today’s episode was supported by the awesome and adventurous team at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool. Check them out for some truly awe-inspiring scuba and freedive experiences. Visit www.deepdivedubai.com

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

We hope you enjoy! 

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

Today, we’ve got a special episode with questions about athlete health that you shared with us on our social platforms.

Dr Kate Jordan, a sports and exercise medicine physician at Mediclinic Parkview Hospital in Dubai, stayed back after our two-part episode on female athlete health, which you can find here: Part 1 , Part 2 , to answer them.

So, if you ever wondered why and how to top up on your collagen, how to improve your cycling power, supplements you may need as an athlete, or should you train through a niggle, you’ve come to the right place. We have you covered.

We would like to add that this is a general discussion on athlete health and any information in this podcast is for educational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute a personal consultation with a physician, diagnosis or treatment.  If you have any health concerns, please speak to your doctor. 

We hope you enjoy the episode! 

To know more about Dr. Kate Jordan, visit the Mediclinic Parkview Hospital 

Today’s episode was supported by the awesome and adventurous team at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool. Check them out for some truly awe-inspiring scuba and freedive experiences. Visit www.deepdivedubai.com

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

 For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

The first part of this episode came out last week, and you can access it directly from here: EP33: Part1 Female athlete health: Sports and Exercise Medicine doctor Kate Jordan on common injuries, LEA and right fuelling for performance.

In this episode, we go deeper into our discussion on training on your menstrual cycle, hormones, the importance of supplements, and strength and resistance training as we age. 

We would like to add that this is a general discussion on athlete health and any information in this podcast is for educational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute a personal consultation with a physician, diagnosis or treatment.  If you have any health concerns, please speak to your doctor. 

We hope you enjoy the episode! 

To know more about Dr. Kate Jordan, visit the Mediclinic Parkview Hospital 

Today’s episode was supported by the awesome and adventurous team at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool. Check them out for some truly awe-inspiring scuba and freedive experiences. Visit www.deepdivedubai.com

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

 For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

Sports, and injuries from it, tend to impact female athletes in a different way to their male counterparts. 

Yet, it is only now that awareness and medical research has ramped up around the gender differences in sports medicine. 

Joining us on today’s show to discuss some of the most pressing issues in female athlete health is Dr Kate Jordan, a sports and exercise medicine physician at Mediclinic Parkview Hospital in Dubai.

Dr Jordan has worked with elite athletes throughout her career. She’s been with international teams at the London 2021 Olympics, Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games,  She has also been with the British Olympic team, Scottish Rugby and Football, and at the Scottish Institute of Sports.

Dr Jordan is currently working with British Swimming, for World Rugby as a tournament doctor and a medical educator, and in anti-doping. 

Having treated a wide range of illnesses and injuries in elite sports, Dr Jordan shares insights from her personal experiences with patients and current research around female health. She also demystifies female health concerns and talks about the need to look closely at the performance vs long-term health balance. 

This is the first or our two part interview with Dr Jordan where we explore common injuries in female athletes, Low Energy Availability, disordered eating and the right fuelling for performance and health. 

Tune in next week for Part 2 where we discuss training, the menstrual cycle, hormones and menopause, as well.

We would like to add that this is a general discussion on female athlete health and any information in this podcast is for educational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute a personal consultation with a physician, diagnosis or treatment if you have any health concerns. 

Enjoy!

 To know more about Dr. Kate Jordan, visit the Mediclinic Parkview Hospital 

Today’s episode was supported by the awesome and adventurous team at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool. Check them out for some truly awe-inspiring scuba and freedive experiences. Visit www.deepdivedubai.com

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

So earlier this year, I participated in my fourth ultra cycling race, the Race Around Rwanda. A race I did not finish. Please check out episodes 29 and 29a for my DNF race report.  

As with my earlier ultra races, after Race Around Rwanda was done, I quickly signed up for another race. This time, Dead Ends & Cake, a three-day self-supported ultra that sees those participating cycle 500km with 9000m of climbing. As the name suggests it has dead end checkpoints.. five to be exact, each with cake. It is due to start on 23 June, from St Gallen Switzerland. 

I was able to speak to Dominik Bokstaller, the race organiser a little while ago for the podcast. Since that time however, my personal circumstances have changed and I will no longer be participating in this particular race.  While I’m sad I won’t be on the start-line for this race, I’ll be following along with interest and wanted to share this episode to spread more awareness of this fun, accessible ultra that features an even 50/50 split of participants on the start-line. 

I wish both Dominik and his wider team, as well as all those participating, the very best  

More info and resources: 

🍰Dead Ends & Cake on IG 

🍰Dead Ends & Dolci on IG 

🍰Episode 16 - So you want to be an ultra cyclist 

🍰Episode 16a - Ultra eating 101 

Today’s episode was supported by the awesome and adventurous team at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool. Check them out for some truly awe-inspiring scuba and freedive experiences. Visit www.deepdivedubai.com

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

We hope you enjoy! 

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

Today’s guest and the first woman to join the Saudi Arabia Alpine Skiing Team, Sharifa Al-Sudairi, epitomises courage in competition. 

The 36-year-old athlete only took up professional ski racing in 2020 and admits that she has a long way to go. But Sharifa has already become a trailblazer among Arab women for her “never give up” mindset, which she has consciously been training since becoming an athlete. 

From growing up tackling the slopes of Switzerland as a child to enduring crashes as a forerunner, Sharifa has kept picking herself back up to push on in the sport and competed in her first official competition at Ski Dubai last November, which we get into in the show.

We also discuss the huge potential in winter sports that is building in the Kingdom, now that Saudi Arabia has won the bid to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games and the reception that women from the region have been receiving world over for making a mark in a range of sports. 

Sharifa’s perspective and lessons through skiing resonate with us, and we hope they do with you too!

Enjoy!

 To follow Sharifa,  head to @sharifa_ski

To find out more about the Saudi Snow Sports Federation, visit @sssfksa and wintersports.sa

Today’s episode was supported by the awesome and adventurous team at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool. Check them out for some truly awe-inspiring scuba and freedive experiences. Visit www.deepdivedubai.com

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

 For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

Today, we have one half of this year’s Rally Jameel’s winning team Hanna Riehle, who takes us a little bit closer to what it was like on ground, navigating the desert of Saudi with 81 other women who grabbed this unique opportunity to prove their mettle. 

This was Hanna and co-driver Evelina Chlebowska’s second year competing as team Sandstorm Express. After coming very close to ranking at the top in the first edition, they clinched the win in this year’s 1,600km, five-day long rally, which took place in March. All in a 10-year-old Toyota FJ Cruiser and without any sponsors. 

Hanna tells us how she’s always been naturally competitive, so this win comes as no surprise. The sports consultant from Germany moved to Saudi in search of a new adventure in 2018. From playing multiple sports, including football and Crossfit, and getting her sailing and motorbike licenses, to leaving home at 18 to volunteer in Uruguay, Hanna lives outside of comfort zone.

In this episode, we chat with Hanna about her foray into rally racing and the importance of cooperation and complete confidence in your teammate to stay safe and competitive in these races. Hanna also explains how this rally is filled with camaraderie and support for everyone participating and how such initiatives can propel women's sports in the region. 

Hanna’s energy was infectious and we’re looking forward to a trip to Saudi to explore all that it has to offer in sports soon.

Enjoy the show! 

To know more about Rally Jameel,  head to rallyjameel.com and @rallyjameel

If you want to listen to our interview with Darkar Rally athlete Dania Akeel, you can find  that episode HERE.

Today’s episode was supported by the awesome and adventurous team at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool. Check them out for some truly awe-inspiring scuba and freedive experiences. Visit www.deepdivedubai.com

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

 For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

As you’ll hear in this episode, UAE Team ADQ extends beyond a pro team, it's a movement. It features a pro team, a development team - the first of its kind in the Women’s WorldTour may we add, - as well as a grassroots movement, Women Moving Forward which provides pathways and opportunities for UAE residents to enjoy cycling. 

As two cyclists, we loved our chat with Melissa, learning about the inner workings of a women’s pro cycling team. In this episode you’ll learn about its structure, the team behind the team and how UAE Team ADQ is part of a bigger mission to inspire and enable a new generation of cyclists at every level.  

To listen to UAE Team ADQ cyclist Safiya Al Sayegh’s Episode (EP28), click here. 

For updates on UAE Team ADQ, visit www.uaeteamadq.com and follow @uaeteam_adq and  the team’s development team @uaedevo_team.  

To follow UAE Team ADQ’s work in encouraging more women to start cycling, follow @wmn_moving_fwd. 

To know more about Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the Women’s WorldTour, visit uci.org . 

Today’s episode was supported by the awesome and adventurous team at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool. Check them out for some truly awe-inspiring scuba and freedive experiences. Visit www.deepdivedubai.com

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

What motivates you to do something like that? 

Toby Gregory, the Founder and Director of the Arabian Ocean Rowing team,  is here to tell us exactly what it felt like to row the first UAE-flagged boat across the Atlantic Ocean unsupported and unassisted. 

Interestingly, more people have been to space and climbed Mount Everest than actually taking on this 5,000 km journey from the coast of Africa to Antigua. 

So, having Toby share how he conceived the idea and what it took to go on this 40-day expedition with his teammates where they navigated everything from 40-foot waves, sleep deprivation and sea sickness was an amazing storm of astonishment, excitement and inspiration for us too! 

The journey was also undertaken to raise awareness of marine pollution  with the UN Environment Programme Clean Seas team. Toby has been continuing that work with talks and workshops in the UAE since his return.

During the conversation,  we also couldn’t help but take notes on being practitioners of experiencing joy, building an unwavering mindset for endurance and winning the day by focusing on achieving three things. 

Toby’s story of courage in motion has given us a lot of food for thought and hope it does for you too. Enjoy the show.

To follow updates from the Arabian Ocean Rowing Team,  head to @arabianoceanrowingteam

To know more about the UN Environment Programme Clean Seas initiative, visit www.cleanseas.org/

Today’s episode was supported by the awesome and adventurous team at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool. Check them out for some truly awe-inspiring scuba and freedive experiences. Visit www.deepdivedubai.com

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

 For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

So here it is, my Race Around Rwanda race report - part 2.

If you follow the podcast, it comes as no surprise that it is a DNF story. For background, the Race Around Rwanda is a self-supported ultra cycling race that takes place annually in February. It is 1000 km with 20,000m of climbing and this year it was billed as 30% gravel. 

Joining me to relive the experience is my coach Niel Copeland who did the race a couple of years ago, and also reported on the race for Dotwatcher.  Because Niel and I love to chat, I’ve split this episode into two parts - both live now. 

To keep it simple, Part 1 discusses the day-by-day of the race and this, Part 2 chats through my thoughts on not finishing and what I would have done differently. We also touch upon safety in the ultra cycling world for all participants and women in particular. 

It’s impossible to share all that happened in the race but I want to give a thank you and share handles and resources on some of the things discussed across the two parts. In no particular order: 

Thank yous 

🙏 Edge Cycling for the loan of my Curve Cycling GXR (AKA Kevin), a bike I loved so much that I bought it. A big thank you also to mechanic Oliver Tugirimana 

🙏 The Intercontinental Fujairah  (@icfujairah) who invited me for a wonderful staycation post-race. Just a note that this hotel is in a great location for exploring road and gravel cycling in the Northern Emirates of the UAE

🙏 Coach Niel Copeland (@nielcopeland) for getting me race-ready

Rwanda Cycling & Accommodation Resources: 

🇷🇼 For more information on the race: www.theracearoundrwanda.com

🇷🇼 The African Rising Cycling Center - https://arcc.rw 

🇷🇼 Clement House on Booking.com 

🇷🇼 Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge on Booking.com 

For further listening and viewing: 

🎧 Listen - EP 24 - The Women of Race Around Rwanda Episode - Part 1 on Apple and Spotify

🎧 Listen - EP 25 - The Women of Race Around Rwanda Episode - Part 2 on  Apple and Spotify 

🎧 Listen - EP 16 - So You Want to be an Ultra Cyclist - on Apple and Spotify 

🎧 Listen  - EP 16a - Ultra Eating with Coach Niel Copeland on Apple and Spotify 

📺 Watch - Juliet Elliott’s YouTube series on the Race Around Rwanda on YouTube 

With that, I hope you enjoy the episode and don’t forget to check out Part 1. For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

So here it is, my Race Around Rwanda race report. If you follow the podcast, it comes as no surprise that it is a DNF story.  I did not finish the race. I peddled - and walked - some 713 km out of a possible 1000km in the race that took place in early February. 

For background, the Race Around Rwanda is a self-supported ultra cycling race that takes place annually in February. It is 1000 km with 20,000m of climbing and this year it was billed as 30% gravel.

Joining me to relive the experience is my coach Niel Copeland who did the race a couple of years ago, and also reported on the race for Dotwatcher.  Because Niel and I love to chat, I’ve split this episode into two parts - both live now. 

To keep it simple, this, part 1 discusses the day-by-day of the race and Part 2 chat’s through my thoughts on not finishing and what I would have done differently.

It’s impossible to share all that happened in the race but I want to give a thank you and share handles and resources on some of the things discussed. In no particular order: 

Thank yous 

🙏 Edge Cycling for the loan of my Curve Cycling GXR (AKA Kevin), a bike I loved so much that I bought it. A big thank you also to mechanic Oliver Tugirimana 

🙏 The Intercontinental Fujairah (@icfujairah) who invited me for a wonderful staycation post-race.Just a note that this hotel is in a great location for exploring road and gravel cycling in the Northern Emirates of the UAE

🙏 Coach Niel Copeland (@nielcopeland) for getting me race-ready

Rwanda Cycling & Accommodation Resources: 

🇷🇼 For more information on the race: www.theracearoundrwanda.com

🇷🇼 The African Rising Cycling Center - https://arcc.rw 

🇷🇼 Clement House on Booking.com 

🇷🇼 Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge on Booking.com 

For Further Listening and Viewing: 

🎧 Listen - EP 24 - The Women of Race Around Rwanda Episode - Part 1 on Apple and Spotify

🎧 Listen - EP 25 - The Women of Race Around Rwanda Episode - Part 2 on  Apple and Spotify 

🎧 Listen - EP 16 - So You Want to be an Ultra Cyclist - on Apple and Spotify 

🎧 Listen  - EP 16a - Ultra Eating with Coach Niel Copeland on Apple and Spotify 

📺 Watch - Juliet Elliott’s YouTube series on the Race Around Rwanda on YouTube 

With that, I hope you enjoy the episode and don’t forget to check out Part 2. 

For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

The Mettleset is doing its first running race as a team…and it’s all for a good cause. 

Dawn and I have signed up for the amazing annual Wings for Life World Run, which supports the Wings for Life Foundation for spinal injury research. The race happens around the world on the same day and at the same time - this year being May 7. 

It’s exciting for us to join this year’s event because the race is celebrating its 10th year. In 2022 alone, the Wings for Life World Run generated about AED 19,084,170 (€4,700,000) in donations thanks to the 161,892 participants from 192 countries. 

The UAE edition is happening at 3PM at none other than the Expo City in Dubai. We’ll be at the start line with more than 270 or so residents, first-time runners and seasoned athletes who have already signed up the last time I checked.

It’s a unique race with no predetermined finish line and a Catcher car that you have to escape. The best part - you set your own goal. How’s that for being all inclusive? 

And by participating in this fun run, you will also be helping support crucial medical research as all sign-up proceeds and donations go to the Wings for Life Foundation. 

To find out more about the race, how to sign up and what to expect, I was joined by this year’s Wings for Life ambassador Gada Shaikli, an Obstacle Course Race athlete and long-time runner, who also won last year’s edition. 

Gada also shares tips on how to prepare for the race in this episode.

For Dawn, this will be a run after years of not putting those running shoes on and for me, well,  my running shoes are going to hit tarmac on a very balmy Sunday afternoon. We’re both looking forward to a challenge! 

To sign up, head to: www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/en/locations/dubai

For a team registration, you can create a team and get friends and family to join here:

www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/en/teams/create

You can also purchase vouchers and get a code to share with friends and family www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/en/vouchers/app/data 

To know more about the Wings  for Life Foundation, visit /www.wingsforlife.com/uk/

Come say hi if you spot us! 

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

 For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

Ever wondered what three things your favourite athlete would take with them on a deserted island? Or what their favourite food is? Or perhaps the worst advice they’ve ever received? 

Yes, we know you can’t get enough of our guests. In our new bonus series More Mettle, we fire 10 fun questions at our in-studio guests to peel back their professional layers and get to their humorous, quirky and uninhibited side. 

Our first guest on the series is UAE Team ADQ rider Safiya Al Sayegh,  First Arab and Emirati on the UCI Women’s WorldTour.  

Expect witty responses, very entertaining moments and a whole lot of laughs. Enjoy!

To follow Safiya’s journey, head to @safiya.alsayegh

For updates on UAE Team ADQ, visit www.uaeteamadq.com and follow @uaeteam_adq and  the team’s development team @uaedevo_team.  

To follow UAE Team ADQ’s work in encouraging more women to start cycling, follow @wmn_moving_fwd. 

To know more about Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the Women’s WorldTour, visit uci.org . 

Today’s episode was supported by the awesome and adventurous team at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool. Check them out for some truly awe-inspiring scuba and freedive experiences. Visit www.deepdivedubai.com

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

Safiya is the first Emirati and first Arab woman to join a WorldTour Pro Team, UAE Team ADQ. The 21-year-old athlete kicked off her cycling career in 2016 and turned pro last year, displaying remarkable growth under the guidance of UAE Team ADQ.

She closed 2022 with six medals from the Arab Track Championships, including two gold, three silver and one bronze.  And she has been seizing the day by securing a National title in both the Individual Time Trial and Road Race at the annual National Championship for the third time in 2023,  confirming her status as the UAE National Champion.

The pro is now gearing up for a number of international races, including the Asian Road Cycling Championships in June, the UCI World Championships in Glasgow in August, the Asian Games in China and the Arab Championships in Saudi - both in September.

In our chat with Safiya, we talk about her first bike, family support, getting dropped and downhills, picking herself back up after a tough mental battle to win an international title, her passion and purpose, and balancing it all with full time university studies. 

We also chat about Olympic aspirations and how she’s looking forward to the future as the first Emirati on the Women’s World Tour. 

We hope you enjoy!

To follow Safiya’s journey, head to @safiya.alsayegh

For updates on UAE Team ADQ, visit www.uaeteamadq.com and follow @uaeteam_adq and  the team’s development team @uaedevo_team.  

To follow UAE Team ADQ’s work in encouraging more women to start cycling, follow @wmn_moving_fwd. 

To know more about Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the Women’s WorldTour, visit uci.org . 

Today’s episode was supported by the awesome and adventurous team at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool. Check them out for some truly awe-inspiring scuba and freedive experiences. Visit www.deepdivedubai.com

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

 For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

Today we have a special bonus episode that’s a little different to our usual athlete interviews as we touch upon the business of sport and sport leadership here in the United Arab Emirates.  

As someone who’s worked in sports communications for over 11 years, I recently had the opportunity to go to the Leaders in Sport Business Summit in Abu Dhabi held on 1-2 March. This episode shares some observations and snippets from just one of the many thought-provoking panels that took place. 

If you’re unfamiliar with Leaders in Sport, among other things, they bring influential individuals within the sports industry together in a series of global events. The events are really a platform to foster discussion and debate about the state of the industry, explore trends and discuss ways to drive the industry forward.  

The panel you will hear in this episode includes the very inspirational Dr Omniyat Al Hajeri, Vice Chairwoman of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy ( FBMA), speaking live from the stage about the work of the FBMA and women’s sports in general.  She is joined by professional cyclist and pro rider for UAE Team ADQ, Safiya Al Sayegh, the first Emirati woman to race in the Women’s WorldTour on a panel moderated by Laura McQueen, Managing Director of Leaders in Sport. 

We wanted to share some insights from this very uplifting panel and Dr Omniyat in particular as a sports leader as she discusses the role of the FBMA in sport development for women in the UAE and what it means for athletes like Safiya. The panel chats about leadership, pathways into sport, how the UAE is fostering talent and also, how organizations like the FBMA are encouraging more diversity in the wider sporting ecosystem. Dr Ominyat also discusses the many opportunities that exist here in the UAE for sport, something that as a long-time resident, I can absolutely attest to. 

A big thank you again to the Leaders in Sport team who kindly provided this audio for us to use within the podcast. To find out more information about Leaders in Sport visit  https://leadersinsport.com. 

For more information on the work of the FBMA, visit https://www.fbma.ae and for more information on UAE Team ADQ, visit https://www.uaeteamadq.com/.

Today’s episode was supported by the awesome and adventurous team at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool. Check them out for some truly awe-inspiring scuba and freedive experiences. Visit www.deepdivedubai.com

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

We hope you enjoy! 

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

The 28-year-old, who only began CrossFit in 2017 after being on the UAE National football team and the UAE athletics team, has had a meteoric rise in world rankings. In just five years, she went  from 34,506th worldwide and 90th in the UAE, to 257th worldwide, 7th in Asia and 1st in the UAE according to CrossFit. 

She tells us what it takes for an athlete to move up the ranks in the game and the support this requires from family and sponsors. Shahad talks about her drive to keep growing in the sport and why she’ll make every sacrifice to raise the flag of her country at the games. She also addresses common misconceptions that women have about the sport.

We, Dawn and Afshan, met in a CrossFit class, so this episode brought back fond and painful memories of squatting 20kg barbells and doing burpees over bars. We hope you enjoy!

To follow Shahad’s journey, head to @shahad.budebs

Find her rankings and all about the CrossFit Games on games.crossfit.com

Today’s episode was supported by the awesome and adventurous team at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool. Check them out for some truly awe-inspiring scuba and freedive experiences. Visit www.deepdivedubai.com

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

For those of you who haven’t heard our first chat with Ivana on the podcast where she tells us what makes her push her limits in sports and discusses her self-supported Trans Balkan Ultra Cycling Race in 2022, don’t worry, head to EP2 here: ‘TENACITY: Ultra athlete Ivana Kolaric on going from fitness to seeking the world’s toughest races’ .

We had to get Ivana back on because we were excitedly following her as she did this 558km multi-discipline challenge, which involved 136kms of trekking, 310kms of mountain biking, 47kms of canoeing and 65kms of kayaking over 12 stages, which her team of four had to finish in 8.5 days. 

We don’t just want to take you back in time with stories of athletes as they grow in their sports but aim to bring you their experiences from their challenges and find out how others can get involved. 

And that’s exactly what we got from her rollercoaster journey through the Fiordland of New Zealand. We talk about how the team of four - Luke, Ivana, Nikolai and Adrian - was formed, packing gear, navigating it with only a physical map and compass (no technology allowed), the nurturing role of the support crew that met them at different stages, highlights and lowlights and how this race promotes a spirit of participation for everyone with its equitable rules. 

We also find out that navigating a bush in New Zealand requires a different skill, one that they couldn’t have done without their master navigator Adrian, who we would like on our adventures too! 

Was this her hardest challenge and would she do it again? Keep listening to find out. 

To know more about Godzone, visit godzoneadventure.com

Today’s episode was supported by the awesome and adventurous team at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool. Check them out for some truly awe-inspiring scuba and freedive experiences. Visit www.deepdivedubai.com

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

 For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

As you may know, I recently took part in the Race Around Rwanda, a 1000km self supported cycling race in early February. It was my fourth ultra cycling race in total, and my first since 2019. Spoiler alert, it was also my second scratch or DNF. 

I did make it 712 km along the route and I’m detailing my experience in an upcoming episode. 

But before that, I had the chance to speak to 9 women I raced with -  and alongside - to get their thoughts on the race to share with you across two episodes… think of it as a double dose of adventure. 

This Episode, (Part 2) features ultra women Cleo Jensen, Julie Melville, Hari Milburn and Isabel Riffel. 

Part 1, (EP24) is also live now (so do check it out), and features the amazing Mona Stockheal, Juliet Elliott, Juliana Veterano, Alina Kilian and Caz Buckland. 

As a reminder, the Race Around Rwanda 2023 was 1000km with approximately 17,000m of climbing. It’s also ‘30%’ ‘gravel’ and of course, self supported.  

All women were asked:

• ❔What was their ‘why’ or reason for doing the race? 
• 🤩 What was the highlight of the race for them? 
• 😞 What the lowlight was? 
• ℹ️ What advice would they give other women thinking of signing up?
• 💭 And, any additional thoughts. 

For more information on the race and also the final standings, visit www.theracearoundrwanda.com with full standings available here. 

To follow and support the women featured across the two episodes, please find their IG handles/websites and other info below: 

EP 25 - PT 2 

• 🇮🇪 Cleo Jensen - @cleojensen12
• 🇦🇺🇬🇧 Julie Melville - @macjelle 
• 🇬🇧 Hari Milburn - @hariannealice 
• 🇩🇪 Isabel Riffel - @isabel.alina

EP 24 - PT 1 

• 🇩🇪🇨🇭Mona Stockhecke  - @stockheckemona and @team_alphaadventure
• 🇬🇧 Juliet Elliott - @julietelliott. And don’t forget to check out Juliet’s YouTube series on the Race Around Rwanda for a real but also fun look at the race. Viewable here. 
• 🇧🇷 🇺🇸 Juliana Veterano - @this.is.juliana.v
• 🇵🇱 Alina Killian - @alamakola 
• 🇬🇧 Caz Buckland - @caz_travelling_artist

Today’s episode was supported by the awesome and adventurous team at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool. Check them out for some truly awe-inspiring scuba and freedive experiences. Visit www.deepdivedubai.com

A big thank you to all the women who shared their perspectives and voices and thank you to you for listening! 

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Enjoy!

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

As you may know, I recently took part in the Race Around Rwanda, a 1000km self supported cycling race in early February. It was my fourth ultra cycling race in total and my first since 2019. Spoiler alert, it was also my second scratch or DNF. 

I did make it 712 km along the route and I’m detailing my experience in an upcoming episode. 

But before that, I had the chance to speak to 9 women I raced with -  and alongside - to get their thoughts on the race to share with you across two episodes… think of it as a double dose of adventure. 

This Episode (Part 1) features the amazing Mona Stockhecke, Juliet Elliott, Juliana Veterano, Alina Kilian and Caz Buckland. 

Part 2, (EP25) is also live now, featuring ultra women Cleo Jensen, Julie Melville, Hari Milburn and Isabel Riffel. 

As a reminder, the Race Around Rwanda 2023 was 1000km with approximately 17,000m of climbing. It’s also ‘30%’ ‘gravel’ and of course, self supported.  

All women were asked:

• ❔What was their ‘why’ or reason for doing the race? 
• 🤩 What was the highlight of the race for them? 
• 😞 What the lowlight was? 
• ℹ️ What advice would they give other women thinking of signing up?
• 💭 And, any additional thoughts. 

For more information on the race and also the final standings, visit www.theracearoundrwanda.com with full standings available here. 

To follow and support the women featured across the two episodes, please find their IG handles/websites and other info below: 

EP 24 - PT 1 

• 🇩🇪🇨🇭Mona Stockheale  - @stockheckemona and @team_alphaadventure
• 🇬🇧 Juliet Elliott - @julietelliott. And don’t forget to check out Juliet’s YouTube series on the Race Around Rwanda for a real but also fun look at the race. Viewable here. 
• 🇧🇷 🇺🇸 Juliana Veterano - @this.is.juliana.v
• 🇵🇱 Alina Killian - @alamakola 
• 🇬🇧 Caz Buckland - @caz_travelling_artist

EP 25 - PT 2 

• 🇮🇪 Cleo Jensen - @cleojensen12
• 🇦🇺🇬🇧 Julie Melville - @macjelle 
• 🇬🇧 Hari Milburn - @hariannealice 
• 🇩🇪 Isabel Riffel - @isabel.alina

Today’s episode was supported by the awesome and adventurous team at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool. Check them out for some truly awe-inspiring scuba and freedive experiences. Visit www.deepdivedubai.com

A big thank you to all the women who shared their perspectives and voices and thank you to you for listening! 

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Enjoy!

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed

Sarah Mercer, who is from South Africa, represented Great Britain in the 1992 Olympics that took place in Barcelona. That was the ultimate goal for which,  in her own words, she  “put horse blinkers on” to achieve it. No injury, no amount of overtraining and not even the bureaucratic process could stop her from her road to the Olympics.  

In fact, she’s down in the history books for a routine that is named after her - “The Mercer” 

But moving past her adulation and achievements in gymnastics  is the trials of an athlete, and of other professional and elite athletes in gymnastics today,  that is increasingly making the news in this sport. The extreme body image pressures, the physical toll and mental stress. Is it worth it to be that consumed? For Sarah, it definitely gave her everything she had hoped for in the sport, but also pushed her into acknowledging the toxic environment that she was a part of and motivated her to advocate for ways to change it. 

Today, Sarah works with young gymnasts to make sure that they take all the positives from the sport and train  in a safe and nurturing environment. She is also coaching the team of young gymnasts who are representing the UAE at the Special Olympics in Berlin this June. 

In this discussion, Sarah talks about her challenges and opportunities in her career as an Olympic gymnast, and also about how to create a cultural shift in gymnastics and keep young people happier and healthier in the sport. 

Sarah is a coach at Simply Gymnastics. For more information, visit www.simplygymnastics.com

Today’s episode was supported by the awesome and adventurous team at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool. Check them out for some truly awe-inspiring scuba and freedive experiences. Visit www.deepdivedubai.com

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

 For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Sarah’s approach to sports and its purpose is something that we hope inspires others coaches too! Enjoy!

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed