“She” Special: From Iron Man to the Top

Exceptional Endurance Athlete: Lulwa Al Marri
Breaking Barriers and Achieving Dreams
Lulwa Al Marri is an exceptional record-breaking endurance athlete, competing in a wide range of sports, including triathlon, cycling, running, and mountaineering. In 2021, Lulwa became the first Qatari woman to complete the full Ironman distance, achieving a global achievement and setting new standards for endurance athletes around the world.
A Symbol of Change and Empowerment
Lulwa is a symbol of change and a strong supporter of women’s participation and empowerment in sports, as she contributed to breaking barriers and opening new horizons for women to achieve their dreams and reach their full potential. Lulwa’s passion does not stop at the finish lines; Rather, it extends to challenging the world’s most difficult peaks, such as Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe with a height of 5,642 meters, which she climbed in June 2024, and Island Peak in Nepal, with a height of 6,185 meters, in April of the same year. Today, she is seeking to achieve her ultimate dream of climbing Mount Everest.
An Exclusive Interview
In this special interview with "Hea", Lulwa Al Marri shares with us the details of her unique journey, from breaking societal barriers to ascending global summits, and opens doors to her future dreams and ambitions. We will learn about her experiences and her most prominent sports milestones. Lulwa also highlights the importance of empowering women in sports, and provides her advice to women who seek to achieve exceptional achievements in any field.
Inspiring a New Generation
What Inspired You to Take Up Endurance and Endurance Sports?
My inspiration to take up sports came from a combination of personal passion and a desire to challenge the societal norms under which we lived. She grew up in Qatar, where traditional restrictions were a barrier, and wanted to show that women could excel in all fields, including sports. Completing the Ironman race was a defining moment in my life; Not only did I prove to myself that I was capable of the challenge, but I was the first Qatari woman to achieve this achievement. Crossing the finish line was a proud moment, and I hope my story will inspire others to follow their dreams in Qatar and throughout the region.
Climbing New Heights
Can You Share the Importance of Your Recent Mountaineering Achievements, Such as Climbing Mount Elbrus and Island Peak, in Your Journey as an Athlete?
Climbing Mount Elbrus and Island Peak were two of the most life-changing experiences in my life. Climbing the summit of Island Peak was a tremendous challenge, as it tested my mental and physical skills to the fullest. As for climbing Mount Elbrus, it was special because it was done with the participation of a group of climbers from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, which made the trip more enjoyable and cooperative. From these experiences, I learned the importance of teamwork and flexibility, as well as the power of a supportive community. These trips increased my passion for mountaineering and confirmed my determination to go beyond my limits, and I hope my story will inspire others to challenge themselves and achieve their goals.
Empowering Women in Sports
As a Passionate Advocate for Women’s Participation in Sports, What Challenges Have You Faced? How Did You Overcome It to Pave the Way for Others?
She faced many challenges as a passionate advocate for women’s participation in sports. I grew up facing restrictions on what I could achieve and where I could pursue my interests. There was a strong focus on academics, and I was not encouraged to knock on sports doors much, which led to suspicions about women in sports, and I often faced criticism for pursuing my passion.
However, I learned to turn that energy into motivation, by sharing my journey and interacting with the community. I hope to inspire young girls to pursue their passions without shame, and I want them to fully realize that they can break free from societal restrictions and achieve their dreams, whether in sports or other fields. “Together we can pave the way for future women in sports in Qatar.”
A Bright Future for Female Athletes
How Do You Imagine the Future of Mathematics in Qatar and the Region? What Role Do You Play in This Development?
I imagine a bright future for female athletes in Qatar, where women will participate in multiple sports, not only traditional sports, but also in sports that require greater strength and adventure sports. As a New Balance brand ambassador, I want to play an active role in expanding the definition of female athletes and enhancing opportunities for girls to participate in sports, and I hope that we can build a strong sports community that enhances the potential of women in all fields.
Self-Care and Mental Well-being
Endurance Sports Require Both Physical and Mental Strength. How Do You Enhance Inner Harmony to Stay Prepared During Grueling Training and Competitions?
Inner harmony is essential for me, especially during hard training and competitions. I meditate regularly, and incorporate breathing techniques that help me be present and focused. Visualization techniques are also a big part of my daily routine; I imagine myself overcoming obstacles and achieving my goals, and I often imagine myself with a gold medal and raising the Qatari flag high. This not only boosts my confidence, but also reminds me of the importance of my journey.
Conclusion
Lulwa Al Marri’s exceptional endurance and mountaineering achievements are a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and passion for sports. Her journey serves as an inspiration to women and girls around the world, and her commitment to empowering women in sports is a beacon of hope for a brighter future.
FAQs
- What inspired you to take up endurance and endurance sports?
My inspiration to take up sports came from a combination of personal passion and a desire to challenge the societal norms under which we lived. - Can you share the importance of your recent mountaineering achievements, such as climbing Mount Elbrus and Island Peak, in your journey as an athlete?
Climbing Mount Elbrus and Island Peak were two of the most life-changing experiences in my life, and they increased my passion for mountaineering and confirmed my determination to go beyond my limits. - As a passionate advocate for women’s participation in sports, what challenges have you faced? How did you overcome it to pave the way for others?
I faced many challenges as a passionate advocate for women’s participation in sports, but I learned to turn that energy into motivation, by sharing my journey and interacting with the community. - How do you imagine the future of mathematics in Qatar and the region? What role do you play in this development?
I imagine a bright future for female athletes in Qatar, where women will participate in multiple sports, not only traditional sports, but also in sports that require greater strength and adventure sports.