Saudi Arabia’s Donia Abu Taleb narrowly missed the chance to make history as the first Saudi Arabian woman to clinch an Olympic Games medal in the taekwondo competition played out in Paris.
Initial Disappointment
Abu Taleb faced a tough challenge in the bronze medal play-off in the -49kg division, where she was edged out by Mobina Nematzadeh of Iran.
Journey to the Play-offs
Donia won her last 16 clash against Israel’s Abishag Semberg before losing to Panipak Wongpattanakit of Thailand, the gold medalist from Tokyo Olympics.
Bronze Battle
Securing a place in the bronze medal play-off by defeating Morocco’s Oumaima El Bouchti, Abu Taleb faced high-ranked Nematzadeh, who proved too strong.
Past Achievements
Abu Taleb’s road to the Olympics was successful as she clinched gold at the 2020 Arab Taekwondo Championship and bronze medals at the 2022 Asian and world championships. Earlier this year, she upgraded to gold at the Asian Taekwondo Championships.
Saudi Women at the Olympics
The journey of Saudi women in the Olympics has seen modest beginnings. In 2012, judoka Wojdan Shaherkani made history as the first Saudi woman to compete, albeit briefly.
US-born Sarah Attar also represented Saudi Arabia, finishing last in her 800m heat. Since then, more Saudi women have participated as wildcards in subsequent Olympic events.
