Sara Al Senaani became the UAE’s first-ever female Paralympic medallist when she won a historic bronze in the shot put F33 event in Rio late on Friday to extend her nation’s record medal haul at the Games to a total of six.
The 23-year-old Emirati threw a personal best distance of 5.09m to come third on an all-Arab podium that was topped by Algerian Asmahan Boudjadar, who set a new African record with her 5.72m throw.
Qatar’s Sara Masoud took silver with an Asian record throw of 5.39m.
Al Senaani edged world silver medallist Brydee Moore of Australia by just one centimetre with her final throw of the competition.
“It’s such an overwhelming feeling, raising the UAE flag on such a huge stage like the Paralympics,” an emotional Al Senaani told Sport360°.
“I really wanted to win gold, so we could hear the UAE national anthem in the stadium, but I still thank God for getting bronze.
“I went to Rio with one goal, to bring home a medal, and I didn’t want to leave without it.
“I feel that my first two attempts were unfairly discarded and I did my best to overcome that disappointment. For some reason there was one particular judge who just kept ruling against my throws.
“Thankfully I sealed the bronze in the very last throw, by one single centimetre. I’m so happy you have no idea.”
مبروووووك مبرووووووك الإمارات البرونزية للاعبة سارة السناني في مسابقة العاب القوى pic.twitter.com/Bu1zvKiAeL
— UAE_DSF (@UAE_DFS) September 16, 2016
Al Senaani has been competing in the sport for five years and believes she is sending a strong message by being a dedicated athlete.
“People look at us and think we are weak individuals and that we can’t do anything,” said Al Senaani. “And I chose this sport to prove to everyone that people with disabilities are strong and can achieve great things.”
Al Senaani trains at the Abu Dhabi Club for Disability Sports and says she has the full support of her family.
As the first UAE woman to medal at a Games, she says: “I hope to motivate other girls to do the same.”
A Games to remember
Al Senaani’s medal was the UAE’s sixth of the 2016 Games as it followed gold medal performances from Mohamed Al Hammadi in the T34 800m, and Mohammed Khamis Khalaf in the -88kg powerlifting. Shooter Abdullah Sultan Al Aryani contributed three silver medals within a seven-day period in Rio.
The nation’s previous highest medals tally at a single Paralympics were the four captured in Sydney 2000 (3S, 1B) and Athens 2004 (1G, 1S, 2B).
Al Senaani is the first Emirati female medallist at any Olympic or Paralympic Games.
It has been a record-breaking Games for the Emirates in more ways than one.
The 18 Paralympians that flew the UAE flag while competing in Rio are the most ever to represent the country at a single edition.
*Medals tally as of Saturday September 17, 5pm Dubai time
The nation has placed the highest amongst its GCC neighbours in the medals table and Majid Al Usaimi, the vice president of the UAE federation for disability sports, believes this marks a milestone Games for the Emirates.
“We are proud of what our athletes have done in Rio and their achievements have been met with lots of attention back home,” Al Usaimi told Arabic media.
“Leading all GCC nations in the medals table, and placing third amongst Arab countries, is something we are incredibly proud of.”
The president of the federation, Mohamed Fadel Al Hameli, explained that the feats accomplished in Rio have been a result of meticulous planning and hard work.
“We particularly sent a larger delegation to Rio this time to provide the opportunity to our young crop of athletes to gain experience on the sport’s largest stage,” said Al Hameli. “This is great preparation for Tokyo 2020.
“We’re currently preparing a women’s shooting team, to compete at the next Paralympics in four years’ time, which will be another big step for UAE disability sport.”
