Latest news with #crosscountryskiing
Arab News
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Kariman Abuljadayel becomes Al-Nassr's first cross-country skier
JEDDAH: Saudi Olympian Kariman Abuljadayel has made history once again, this time by becoming the first cross-country skier to join Al-Nassr Club, the first Saudi sports club to officially add a winter sport to its roster. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The pioneering athlete signed a contract on Wednesday, marking a new chapter in her sporting journey and a bold step for winter sports in the Kingdom. 'This truly feels like a new chapter for me as well,' Abuljadayel told Arab News. 'I first tried cross-country skiing back in 2019 in St. Moritz, Switzerland, as a form of endurance training during winter — not knowing that a few years down the road it would become my main sport.' From representing Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom's first female sprinter at the Rio 2016 Olympics to co-founding the Saudi Rowing Federation, Abuljadayel is no stranger to breaking boundaries. Her move to Al-Nassr continues that legacy. 'I've learned what it takes to help build a new sport from the ground up in the Kingdom,' she said. 'This time, it's cross-country skiing, and I'm excited not only by the sport itself but also by the incredible culture around it. My hope is to inspire more women in Saudi Arabia to get involved, and to ensure that this journey is inclusive — welcoming para-athletes and creating opportunities for everyone to be part of this pioneering movement.' Abuljadayel famously competed in the 100m at Rio 2016, finishing seventh in her heat. That same year she raced in the 60m at the World Athletics Championships in Portland, USA. Afterward, she pivoted to rowing and was selected to represent the Saudi national team. Now focused on cross-country skiing, Abuljadayel acknowledged the challenges of training for a winter sport in a desert climate — but sees opportunity rather than limitation. 'Al-Nassr Club is making history as the first in Saudi Arabia to add a winter sport and I'm honored to lead the way. Living in Riyadh, I want to show people that you don't need year-round snow to pursue this sport,' she said. 'Most professional skiers train on roller skis during the summer, which closely replicate skiing on snow.' She pointed to Riyadh's Sport Boulevard project, a major new development featuring car-free paths for sports and outdoor activities, as an ideal venue for roller-ski training. 'You can often find me training there. Every time, people stop to ask what sport I'm doing, which shows just how much curiosity and excitement there is. I truly believe Riyadh has huge potential to become a real training hub for cross-country skiing.' Abuljadayel now hopes to grow the sport through local events, workshops and community training sessions. 'I want to raise awareness, spark interest and inspire more people to discover this unique sport — and to see that it's possible right here at home,' she said. Looking ahead, Abuljadayel has her sights firmly set on the Olympic Games. 'This is such an exciting time to be part of cross-country skiing and winter sports in Saudi Arabia, especially with the Asian Winter Games coming to Trojena, NEOM, in 2029,' she said. 'By representing Saudi Arabia in winter sports, I also get to highlight the incredible diversity of my country's landscape — deserts, seas, mountains, and yes, even snow. Not many countries can say that, and it's something I'm truly proud to share through this journey.'
CNA
25-06-2025
- Health
- CNA
Cross-Country Skiing-German association calls for acquittal of Olympic champion Carl after positive test
German cross-country skier Victoria Carl has tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol, Germany's ski association (DSV) said on Wednesday, as they called for her acquittal saying there was no intention to deceive by the Olympic champion. Carl, who won gold in the team sprint and silver in the relay at the last Winter Olympics, tested positive in an out-of-competition doping control. The DSV say the substance was a component of a cough syrup prescribed by the German armed forces (Bundeswehr). The Bundeswehr explained that the wrong medicine was mistakenly delivered and the case was packed by untrained personnel. At the time of the acute illness, the Winter Military World Games, no alternative medicine was available. "From the point of view of the German Ski Association, this is an unfortunate isolated case that was caused by an unfortunate chain of organisational and medical circumstances," a DSV statement said. "But not by an intention of deception on the part of the athlete." The DSV is calling for a differentiated case-by-case examination, taking into account the medical emergency, the open communications of the athlete and the medical responsibility. "I was sick, had severe coughing fits and took the medication on doctor's orders," Carl said. "I disclosed everything. I wasn't aware that it contained a banned substance. I very much hope that the circumstances will be understood and assessed fairly." The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has started proceedings and both the DSV and the Bundeswehr say they hope for a complete acquittal. Even a short-term ban could amount to Carl missing next year's Milano-Cortina Olympic Games, which take place from February 6-22.
