Olympic Golden Muses

In honour of Arab sportswomen, here is a highlight of muse who have shown resilience and perseverance, reminding us of the power of mental fortitude. These women have not only shattered records but have also broken stereotypes, proving that anything is possible for those who dream, dare, work, and never give up. They stand as beacons of female empowerment in the Arab world and beyond, inspiring us all to reach higher, push further, and dream bigger.

Kaylia Nemour « I can’t believe it... I am so happy and emotional to share this victory with all of you! This is a dream come true, the result of so many years of hard work, sacrifices, and passion. » Kaylia Nemour fell in love with artistic gymnastics when she was just four years old. Thirteen years later, at 17, she made history by winning Algeria's first-ever Olympic gold in gymnastics on the uneven bars. Despite her fierce dedication and relentless work, her path to the Paris Games was anything but smooth, and few would have predicted her participation. After undergoing surgery on both knees (an operation that nearly ended her career) Kaylia faced another hurdle. The French Gymnastics Federation blocked her from competing internationally due to a major disagreement with her club. Yet Kaylia wasn’t about to let anything stop her. With her mother by her side, she made headlines, launched a petition, and put pressure on France to let her compete. She Finally decided to participate under the banner of her motherland, Algeria, a bold move that was a cheeky thumbed nose to France, which could have claimed this supreme distinction. When she’s not focused on her routines, it’s in her kitchen that the creative soul expresses her art. Passionate about pastry, she believes there’s a real connection between baking and gymnastics. « In pastry, as in gymnastics, nothing is left to hasard. Everything is meticulously calculated to the gram. Every move counts.» More important than talent, her determination led her to success and secured a place that talent alone couldn’t. « To all the young athletes around the world who dream of achieving great things: Believe in yourselves, work hard, and never give up. Anything is possible. »

Among this year’s winners, some of the most inspiring athletes were those who faced the greatest hardships. Imane Khelif, Algeria's gold medalist, was one of them. At just 25 years old, she made history by winning four consecutive bouts to claim the gold and became the first woman to win a boxing gold medal for Algeria, in front of a roaring crowd at Roland-Garros, fully behind her. Her victory in the final against China’s reigning world champion, Yang Liu, was nothing short of spectacular, a true and beautiful revenge after an exhausting tournament. Imane’s journey to the top was anything but easy. After her stunning first-round victory in just 46 seconds, her legitimacy was questioned. She faced global speculation about gender and relentless bullying, but she didn’t waver and let her gloves do the talking.

Imane Khelif « There are enemies of success, that’s what I call them. They are just enemies of success. And their attacks have only given my gold medal an extra special taste. My honor is intact now. » Despite the controversy, she remained focused on her goal « What’s important is that I came here focused on my goal, which is the Olympics. » Originally an amateur boxer, she fought through the fire and emerged stronger, showing us what it truly means to persevere and that competence built her confidence, not praise. She made the Olympic Games meaningful, reminding us that we should never settle for less than what we’re capable of, less than what our dreams demand. « I am a woman, like any other woman. I was born a woman. I have lived as a woman. I compete as a woman. There is no doubt about that. I show the power and presence of women in general, but particularly of the Algerian woman. » And for that, we will always be grateful. Thank you, Imane.