Dr. Mariam Binladen Completes Remarkable 30km Swimming Challenge

Dr. Mariam Binladen has completed the 30km Khalid bin Hamad Swimming Challenge from Alkhobar to Bahrain in 11 hours and 25 minutes. She is recognized for her significant achievements in open-water swimming and her commitment to humanitarian efforts in her community. Binladen encourages Saudi women to pursue their dreams while overcoming challenges with dedication and resilience.

In a testament to her remarkable fortitude, Dr. Mariam Binladen of Saudi Arabia has successfully completed the Khalid bin Hamad Swimming Challenge, covering an impressive distance of 30 kilometers from Alkhobar, Saudi Arabia, to Salman City in Bahrain. She accomplished this monumental swim in a time of 11 hours, 25 minutes, and 47 seconds, further cementing her status as an esteemed open-water swimmer.

Dr. Mariam Binladen holds several distinguished records, including being the first Arab woman to swim across the Red Sea to Egypt in October 2022, as well as the first from the Gulf region to traverse the English Channel in August 2016. Throughout her remarkable journey, Binladen has not only demonstrated extraordinary physical prowess but has also embraced a spirit of challenge and resilience.

Speaking following her latest achievement, Binladen expressed, “This swim was on my radar for 7 years. Unfortunately, it was difficult to find an optimum window to do the challenge, primarily because weather conditions in the Gulf of Bahrain are incredibly difficult to predict.” Her meticulous preparation included studying tidal patterns, wind speed, and water temperatures to ensure her safety and success during the swim.

She noted, “Amongst the many challenges of this event was swimming at night in the dark, in fluctuating cold-to-warm water temperatures, with the added complexity of tidal changes.” The swim commenced at 1:50 a.m., where visibility was nearly zero and temperatures fluctuated markedly. To combat the dangers of hypothermia, she adjusted her feeding schedule, taking nourishment every 15 minutes in contrast to the usual half-hour intervals.

The unique challenges of each swimming endeavor, such as navigational hazards in the Red Sea and icy waters in Switzerland, underscore her commitment to confronting the unexpected head-on. She remarked, “Each challenge poses its own distinct difficulties and unique set of conditions; during the Red Sea swim, it was how to maneuver around sharks and avoid their feeding times.”

Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Dr. Binladen is a dentist committed to humanitarian efforts, having established a free medical facility for dental treatment at a Syrian refugee camp in Jordan. She passionately stated, “I love to help people in any capacity I can, whether through treatment or inspiring them in sport.”

As a trailblazer for women in Saudi Arabia, she encourages her peers to pursue their aspirations, asserting, “My advice to Saudi women is to never give up on your dream; with hard work and dedication, you can fulfill your goals.” Looking to the future, Dr. Binladen is contemplating further challenges, expressing her desire to continue learning and making a positive impact on those around her.

Dr. Mariam Binladen is a prominent figure in the field of open-water swimming, known for breaking barriers for Arab women in sports. Throughout her career, she has accomplished several historic swims and has dedicated herself to humanitarian efforts. Her recent triumph in the Khalid bin Hamad Swimming Challenge further emphasizes her commitment to excellence and motivation to inspire others. Additionally, her advocacy for women’s empowerment in Saudi Arabia highlights the cultural shifts occurring within the Kingdom as women increasingly pursue their ambitions in athletics and professional fields.

Dr. Mariam Binladen’s latest achievement not only adds to her already impressive list of accomplishments but serves as a source of inspiration for many aspiring athletes, particularly women in Saudi Arabia. Her rigorous training regime, awareness of the challenges posed by the environment, and commitment to humanitarian causes exemplify her dedication to excellence. By advocating for perseverance and providing hope to her community, Binladen continues to pave the way for future generations of female athletes.

Original Source: www.arabnews.pk