In this episode, we sit down with Martine Grael, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, World Champion, and Pan-American Games champion, who is now making history as the first female driver in SailGP. Martine is also leading the Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team, the first-ever South American team to compete in the high-stakes SailGP Championship.

We caught up with Martine in the team hangar in Dubai, just days before the season opener. During our conversation, Martine takes us on an inspiring journey:

• How her childhood on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro and growing up in a family of sailors shaped her passion for the sport.
• The setbacks she faced on her road to Olympic glory and how she used those moments to fuel her comeback.
• Insights from her experiences in the grueling Volvo Ocean Race and what it taught her about teamwork and perseverance.
• Her excitement and vision as she steps into her role as driver for the Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team.

Martine’s story is one of resilience, determination, and trailblazing achievements.

Follow Martine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinegrael/

Learn more about SailGP & Martine: https://sailgp.com

https://sailgp.com/teams/mubadala-brazil/martine-grael

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Dawn

In this episode, we dive into the triathlon journey of Hana AlNabulsi, a trailblazing triathlete on the UAE National Team. Hana made history as the youngest Emirati woman to ever compete in and complete a 70.3 Ironman race. She’s also the first Emirati woman to qualify for the Asian Games in Triathlon.

We caught up with Hana at the T100 World Tour Press Conference in Dubai, just ahead of the Tour’s grand finale (16-17 Nov) During our conversation, Hana shares how a simple dare sparked her entry into the world of triathlon during the pandemic. She takes us through the unforgettable story of her first race, and with unexpected challenges and laser focus needed

Hana also opens up about the mental resilience that drives her, her unwavering focus on her ultimate dream of representing the UAE in Triathlon at the next Olympics, and how she pushes herself to reach new heights in the sport.

Follow Hana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trihanathon/

For more information on the T100 series: https://t100triathlon.com/

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Please also leave a review - 5 ⭐ only - and follow @themettleset on Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. This really helps us in our commitment to bring you the best possible show and the most interesting guests.

Dawn

Published on Friday, November 8th, this is an episode packed with women’s sports news from the Middle East and beyond as well as an interview with Saudi Arabia’s first pro cyclist, Moroj Adil. Catch Moroj’s first appearance on the podcast:

🎙️ EP. 61 - The Mettleset Podcast with Moroj Adil

This week we discuss:

🏉 Dubai Rugby Sevens: November 30 - December 1. Olympic medalists New Zealand, Canada, and Australia in action. Tickets & info

🎾 Ons Jabeur in Riyadh: Guest of honor at the WTA Finals, hosting tennis clinics and inspiring future stars. Full interview: Arab News

🤺 UAE Women’s Epee World Cup: November 8-10 in Fujairah. Seven Emirati fencers representing the UAE: https://www.instagram.com/uae_fencing/

🚵‍♀️ Neom Beach Games: The supertri NEOM, and the upcoming Neom Titan Desert Race (Nov 18-22): https://titandesertksa.com/en/

🚴🏽‍♀️ Guest Interview: Moroj Adil, Saudi Arabia’s first pro cyclist, on her journey and first season. Find Moroj: https://www.instagram.com/moroj.adil/

Be sure to follow us on @themettleset for more sports updates, culture, and conversation. Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. Got a news tip? Email us at hello@themettleset.com.

Get the latest on women’s sports in the Middle East and beyond! This week we discuss:

Egyptian Fencing Controversy - Egyptian Olympian Nada Hafez and her teammates speak out against age-based discrimination from the Egyptian Fencing Federation. More info:

• Nada Hafez’s social media post
• Egyptian Fencing Federation Response
• ECWR Statement on Discrimination

UAE Women's Jiu-Jitsu Triumph - UAE’s female Jiu-Jitsu athletes shine at the World Championships, securing podium spots.

Tennis - Ons Jabeur Returns! -The "Minister of Happiness" is back for the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open. Related Links: Get Tickets

WTA Finals Debut in Riyadh - Saudi Arabia hosts its first professional women’s tennis tournament, aiming to inspire the next generation.

Related Links: WTA Finals Tickets

Burj to Burj Half Marathon - Dubai’s iconic race approaches gender parity, with a goal of reaching 50/50 participation!

Related Links: http://burj2burj.com

Be sure to follow us on @themettleset for more sports updates, culture, and conversation. Remember to like, follow, and subscribe. Got a news tip? Email us at hello@themettleset.com.

Published on Friday, October 25, this is an episode packed with women’s sports news from the Middle East and beyond. No interview this week, but make sure to catch our last two episodes!

🚲 Episode 70: Interview with two-time Saudi Games Gold Medalist, cyclist Elisa Grassi.

🤿 Episode 71: Journey with Nada AlRasheed, who just set three national records and an Arab women’s record in freediving.

Follow us on social @themettleset for more women’s sports updates, and check the show notes for links to everything discussed on today’s show. Now, onto the news!

F1 Academy - Alpine’s Abbi Pulling dominated F1 Academy testing at UAE’s Yas Marina Circuit, topping all six sessions. Details here.

Formula Woman Global Nations Cup - Fifty female drivers from 25 countries will compete at Dubai Autodrome on December 12, aiming to form an all-female team for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Details here.

T20 Women’s World Cup - New Zealand’s White Ferns made history, winning their first T20 Women’s World Cup in Dubai. More info here.

Amenah Al Muhairi - UAE snowboarder Amenah Al Muhari reached the podium at FIS Ski Dubai, prepping for the Asian Winter Games in February. Follow Amenah here.

The Saudi Games 2024 - 9,000 athletes competed across 52 sports in Saudi Games 2024, a key part of Vision 2030’s athletic empowerment initiative. Learn more info here.

Thanks for tuning in! Follow us for more women’s sports coverage, and we’ll see you next week.

In this episode, we dive deep into the incredible journey of Saudi Arabian freediver Nada Al Rasheed. Nada shares her passion for the ocean and her remarkable achievements in the sport of freediving, including her recent participation in the CMAS World Championship for Freediving Depth in Greece.

From her childhood experiences in Jeddah to becoming a multiple national record holder and Arab record holder, Nada discusses the various disciplines of freediving, the mental preparation required, and the personal growth she has experienced along the way. This episode is not just about athletic accomplishments; it’s about finding oneself and overcoming challenges.

Prepare to be inspired by Nada’s dedication and the lessons she has learned throughout her journey.

🧜‍♀️ Nada Al Rasheed: @nada_underwater

Don’t forget to follow @themettleset and please do leave us a review (five star only).

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Dawn

The date is Friday, 18 October 2024 and women’s sports news discussed on the podcast today include:

⛰️ Two GCC women completed the Explorer’s Grand Slam this week:

• 🇶🇦 @atalthani
• 🇵🇹 @mariatrugrit

🏉 Women’s Rugby: Spain took home the WXV3 Championship Title after defeating Fiji at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai last weekend: https://www.world.rugby/wxv/ https://www.thesevensstadium.com

🏁 The NEOM McLaren Formula E Team this week confirmed that Bianca Bustamante and Ella Lloyd will drive for the team in the upcoming Women’s Test: https://www.mclaren.com/racing/formula-e/2024/bianca-bustamante-and-ella-lloyd-for-the-2024-25-formula-e-womens-test/

🥋@lailaa_sheriff takes double gold at an African Taekwondo Union match

⭐ Historic moves by 🇵🇸 @mariam_b2009 and the UAE’s Hala Belsela & @almarjan.

🚲 PLUS an Interview with Saudi Games Gold Medalist, Elisa Grassi (@greli_)

Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/themettleset

For news tips or inquiries, email us at: hello@themettleset.com

Dawn

The date is Friday, 11 October 2024 and women’s sports news discussed on the podcast today include:

🐪 The C1 Championship, the world's first all-women camel racing series: https://adcrc.me/c1-championship/

• 🎙️ To listen to our chat with founder Linda Krockenberger: https://open.spotify.com/episode/35PULNn8MBmCzveatxLtQW?si=ac5b588068bb4b2a

🏁 Saudi rally driver Yosra Jazzar defends her Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge - T4 category title this weekend. More info via Arab News: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2573681/sport

• Follow Yosra on IG: https://www.instagram.com/yosra_jazzar/?hl=en

⚽ Finaa, a non-profit empowering girls and women through football in Jordan, unveils its fourth pitch. More about Finaa: http://www.finaa.org/

🏉 Women’s Rugby: The international WXV 3 women’s rugby competition is happening at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai: https://www.world.rugby/wxv/ & https://www.thesevensstadium.com

🤿 Saudi freediver Nada AlRasheed sets a new national record of 61m at the CMAS 8th World Championship. https://www.instagram.com/p/DAyNzmMIibp/?img_index=1

🚲 Egyptian cyclist Aliaa Benbella secures 2nd place in the Junior Individual Time Trial at the 2024 African Road Cycling Championships in Kenya: https://www.africacycling2024.com/_files/ugd/577345_5e8f55ada3f048c986d30e943f776c0f.pdf

Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/themettleset

For news tips or inquiries, email us at: hello@themettleset.com

Have a fabulous weekend, and thanks for listening!