Dr. Mariam Binladen has achieved a significant milestone in her swimming career by completing the Khalid bin Hamad Swimming Challenge, swimming 30 km from Alkhobar to Bahrain in 11 hours and 25 minutes. She has previously set records as the first Arab woman to cross various significant waters and balances her athletic pursuits with humanitarian efforts, demonstrating commitment to women’s empowerment and community support.
Dr. Mariam Binladen, a remarkable athlete and dentist from Saudi Arabia, has recently completed the Khalid bin Hamad Swimming Challenge, successfully swimming a distance of 30 kilometers from Alkhobar, Saudi Arabia, to Salman City, Bahrain. Her impressive time of 11 hours, 25 minutes, and 47 seconds marks yet another milestone in her swimming career, which includes being the first Arab woman to cross the Red Sea to Egypt and the first woman from the Gulf to swim across the English Channel.
In an interview with Arab News, Dr. Binladen shared her dedication to the sport, explaining that the swim had been on her mind for seven years. She faced numerous challenges during the swim, particularly due to unpredictable weather conditions in the Gulf of Bahrain. “I had to study the sea very well taking into account the tides, wind speed, wave patterns, swells, water temperature and marine life cycles in order to minimize risk and achieve this goal,” she remarked.
Dr. Binladen described the difficulties she encountered, noting the hazards of swimming at night in dark, fluctuating water temperatures, along with the physical toll of swimming against the tide for part of the journey. “Instead of feeding every 30 minutes I fed every 15 minutes to avoid hypothermia and to maintain my body heat until sunrise,” she stated, shedding light on her rigorous strategies to combat the challenging conditions.
Beyond her swimming accomplishments, Dr. Binladen exhibits profound dedication to humanitarian causes, having previously established a free dental clinic for Syrian refugees in Jordan. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunities available to women in Saudi Arabia today, motivating others by stating, “My advice to Saudi women is to never give up on your dream; with hard work and dedication, you can fulfill your goals.” Dr. Binladen continues to pursue her ambitions, emphasizing her commitment to lifelong learning and inspiring those around her.
Following the successful completion of her recent swim, she hinted at more challenges in her future, revealing, “I have a few possibilities in the pipeline and am carrying out area studies at the moment.” With her extraordinary achievements and generous spirit, Dr. Mariam Binladen serves as a beacon of inspiration, embodying a legacy of hope and perseverance.
Dr. Mariam Binladen is a renowned swimmer and humanitarian from Saudi Arabia, celebrated for her groundbreaking achievements as an Arab woman in long-distance open water swimming. She has made significant strides in overcoming challenges posed by unpredictable weather and difficult swimming conditions. Her commitments extend beyond athletics, as she actively supports humanitarian causes and advocates for women’s empowerment in Saudi Arabia. The recent Khalid bin Hamad Swimming Challenge epitomizes her resolve and the comprehensive preparation required for high-stakes swimming endeavors.
In conclusion, Dr. Mariam Binladen’s completion of the Khalid bin Hamad Swimming Challenge highlights her exceptional athleticism, mental fortitude, and unwavering dedication to making a difference in her community. Her story serves as an inspiring narrative for Saudi women and athletes worldwide, showcasing the transformative power of perseverance and passion. Dr. Binladen’s contributions to both sports and humanitarian endeavors exemplify her commitment to personal growth and societal impact, affirming her role as a leading figure in her field.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
