Libyan athletics has a new cause for celebration as Ritage Al-Sayeh, a prodigious talent in the discus throw, clinched a coveted gold medal at the Arab Athletics Championships for Seniors, currently being held in Algeria. In a compelling display of athleticism, Al-Sayeh’s powerful throw measured an impressive 51.09 metres, a decisive four-metre lead over her Tunisian rival, Ghofrane Hammadi, who took silver. Adding to Libya’s success, Al-Sayeh’s compatriot, Chaima Chouikh, secured the bronze, completing a clean sweep for Arab athletes on the podium.
Al-Sayeh’s victory carries particular resonance, marking a triumphant return to the competitive arena after a recent and unexpected retirement. Having announced her departure from the sport just last April, her decision to return in May has been emphatically vindicated by this gold medal. The win underscores her remarkable mental fortitude and physical conditioning, reaffirming her exceptional talent and adding a second Arab gold to her burgeoning list of achievements, following her victory at the Arab Women’s Clubs Games in Sharjah in February 2024.
The sheer joy of her accomplishment was evident in a moving post on Al-Sayeh’s official Facebook page, where she wrote with palpable emotion: ” praise and thanks be to you, God… From the same stadium and the same place I left injured in 2023, today I returned to Libya with gold.”
The champion was also quick to acknowledge the unwavering support that has underpinned her athletic journey. She extended heartfelt thanks to Captain Abdelsalam Al-Jehani, the President of the Libyan Athletics Federation Mohsen Al-Seba’i, and her coach and father, Salem Al-Sayeh, commending their steadfast belief in her throughout gruelling training regimes and challenging competitions.
Adding an inspiring dimension to her victory, Al-Sayeh shared a message of encouragement received from the Croatian world and Olympic discus throw champion Sandra Elkasević. Elkasević’s simple yet potent words – “Just believe in yourself, everything is possible” – clearly resonated with Al-Sayeh, who responded with heartfelt gratitude: “Thank you, Queen of the Discus… I won gold!”
Al-Sayeh accompanied her post with a touching photograph featuring Elkasević’s supportive message, highlighting the Croatian legend’s crucial role in bolstering her psychological resilience during difficult times. She commented poignantly: “When some try to psychologically finish you… there is someone who supports you from behind the scenes. Sandra Elkasević… World and Olympic champion in discus throw, a new shock for some.”
This well-earned gold medal not only reaffirms Ritage Al-Sayeh’s prominent standing as one of Libya and the Arab world’s leading athletes in the discus but also delivers a powerful and uplifting message about the enduring strength of perseverance, the indomitable nature of the human will, and the profound ability to overcome even the most significant hurdles.