Dr. Mariam Binladen, an accomplished swimmer, completed the 30km Khalid bin Hamad Swimming Challenge in over 11 hours. This event highlights her extraordinary achievements as the first Arab woman to swim across several ambitious routes, showcasing her resilience and dedication. Additionally, she advocates for women’s empowerment and humanitarian efforts, striving to inspire others through her multiple roles as an athlete, dentist, and philanthropist.
Dr. Mariam Binladen, a distinguished open-water swimmer from Saudi Arabia, has once again showcased her remarkable abilities by completing the Khalid bin Hamad Swimming Challenge. This arduous 30-kilometer swim from Alkhobar, Saudi Arabia, to Salman City, Bahrain, was accomplished in an impressive time of 11 hours, 25 minutes, and 47 seconds. Dr. Binladen has previously made headlines as the first Arab woman to successfully swim across the Red Sea to Egypt and the first Gulf woman to cross the English Channel.
During a recent interview with Arab News, Dr. Binladen elaborated on the challenges she faced leading up to this extraordinary feat. “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.” To prepare for the swim, she meticulously studied various factors such as tides, wind speed, and wave patterns to mitigate risks associated with her endeavor.
One of the most daunting aspects of the Khalid bin Hamad Swimming Challenge was swimming through the night in unlit waters, coupled with fluctuating temperatures. She commenced her swim at 1:50 a.m., which posed significant visibility issues. In these grueling conditions, she adjusted her feeding schedule to every 15 minutes to combat hypothermia and maintain her body heat until dawn.
Dr. Binladen also highlighted the mental and physical stamina required to swim against the tide, noting, “The tide in this area shifts every six hours, which meant swimming part of the way against the tide which requires a huge amount of stamina and mental agility in order not to become exhausted.” Throughout her career, she has consistently tackled distinctive challenges, such as navigating around sharks during her Red Sea swim and swimming in freezing temperatures during her English Channel crossing.
In addition to her swimming accomplishments, Dr. Binladen is a dedicated dentist and humanitarian. She has opened a free dental clinic for refugees in Jordan, stating, “Of course it is rewarding to treat any patients, I love to help people in any capacity…” Dr. Binladen expressed her delight in witnessing the progress of Saudi women in multiple spheres of life, encouraging them with the sentiment: “My advice to Saudi women is to never give up on your dream, with hard work and dedication you can fulfill your goals.”
As for her future endeavors, Dr. Binladen mentioned she is exploring new possibilities, with a commitment to continual growth and making a positive impact in the lives of others. She aims to inspire through her achievements and leave behind a legacy of excellence and ambition in sports, healthcare, and beyond.
This article profiles Dr. Mariam Binladen, a pioneering Arab swimmer, whose determination and accomplishments have made national and international headlines. As a prominent figure in open-water swimming, she has achieved several milestones that break cultural barriers and inspire many. Her recent success in the Khalid bin Hamad Swimming Challenge adds to her impressive portfolio of swimming feats and her contributions to humanitarian efforts. The context of swimming challenges highlights the rigorous physical and mental preparation required for extreme sports, as well as the dedication she exhibits as an athlete and advocate for women’s empowerment in Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Mariam Binladen exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and triumph over adversity. Through her incredible swimming feats, she not only breaks records but also inspires women across the Gulf region to pursue their ambitions. Her commitment to humanitarian efforts further illustrates her dedication to making a positive impact on society. As she continues to explore new horizons in her athletic career, Dr. Binladen remains a role model for aspiring athletes and a beacon of hope for those seeking to overcome personal and social challenges.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
