Dr. Mariam Binladen, a prominent Saudi swimmer, recently completed a 30km swim from Alkhobar to Bahrain, marking a significant milestone in her athletic career. She has previously achieved notable feats, including being the first Arab woman to cross multiple major bodies of water. Binladen emphasizes the importance of preparation and resilience in overcoming challenges, while also advocating for women’s empowerment and humanitarian efforts in her community.
In a recent extraordinary achievement, Dr. Mariam Binladen, a noted Saudi Arabian open-water swimmer, successfully completed the Khalid bin Hamad Swimming Challenge, swimming a remarkable distance of 30 kilometers from Alkhobar, Saudi Arabia, to Salman City, Bahrain, in a time of 11 hours, 25 minutes, and 47 seconds. This triumph not only exemplifies her physical endurance and mental strength but also adds to her impressive portfolio as the first Arab woman to accomplish several significant swimming feats, including crossing the Red Sea and swimming the English Channel.
Dr. Binladen, who undertook years of planning to ensure optimal conditions for her latest endeavor, faced numerous challenges during her swim. Notably, she conducted extensive studies of the sea, including factors such as tides, wind patterns, and marine life interactions, to mitigate risks. “This swim was on my radar for 7 years. Unfortunately, it was difficult to find an optimum window to do the challenge,” she remarked in an interview with Arab News.
During her swim, she had to tackle the difficulties of swimming in the dark and adapting to fluctuating water temperatures, feeding more frequently to maintain her core body temperature. “Instead of feeding every 30 minutes, I fed every 15 minutes to avoid hypothermia,” she explained. The experience was further intensified by the tidal shifts, requiring significant stamina and mental focus to manage.
Not only does Dr. Binladen excel in swimming, but she also contributes positively to society through her medical career. She operates a free dental facility for refugees in Jordan and is dedicated to raising awareness for humanitarian causes. Her determination is evident as she encourages other women in Saudi Arabia to pursue their ambitions, stating, “My advice to Saudi women is to never give up on your dream; with hard work and dedication, you can fulfill your goals.”
Looking ahead, she expresses optimism for future challenges while undertaking area studies to prepare. “I strive to pursue excellence and leave a lasting legacy that inspires others,” she stated, underscoring her commitment to continuous growth and impact.
Dr. Mariam Binladen’s achievements highlight not only her athletic prowess but also the increasing support for women’s empowerment in Saudi Arabia. Her story emphasizes the significance of resilience and determination in overcoming challenges, particularly in environments where conditions can be unpredictable. The completion of the Khalid bin Hamad Swimming Challenge adds another milestone to her already remarkable career, which includes several other groundbreaking swims that raise the profile of women in sports within the region.
In summary, Dr. Mariam Binladen’s monumental swim from Alkhobar to Salman City underscores her exceptional capabilities as an athlete and her commitment to humanitarian causes. Her story serves as an inspiring narrative for aspiring athletes, particularly women, to pursue their dreams against all odds. Through her work, Dr. Binladen not only breaks barriers in the realm of sports but also contributes positively to society, advocating for persistence and dedication in achieving one’s goals.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
