Noor Slaoui: The First Arab Woman to Represent the Middle East and North Africa in Equestrian Sports at the Paris 2024 Olympics
DUBAI: According to an announcement made on Wednesday, 29-year-old Moroccan Noor Slaoui has qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics, becoming the first Arab woman to represent the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in equestrian sports.
A press release stated that the professional equestrian has officially qualified for the Olympics and is one of two representatives from Africa and the Middle East.
Slaoui’s journey to this prestigious event marks a significant milestone in her career and in the equestrian sports of the region. The 29-year-old is dedicated to promoting the development of equestrian sports in the MENA region, with the aim of inspiring greater representation in the coming years.
“I am honored and excited to represent my region at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This journey has been a testament to the dedication and support of my team and the incredible bond I share with my horses,” she said.
Slaoui expressed her eagerness to challenge herself and showcase the talents of the MENA region on the Olympic stage. “While medals are a goal, my focus is on building a strong foundation for success in the years to come,” she said.
Her passion for horses began in childhood, exploring the landscapes of Morocco on horseback. This early love for animals and nature transformed into a dream of pursuing a career in equestrian sports.
After obtaining her undergraduate degree at the age of 18, Slaoui took a year off and moved to France. She earned her equestrian instructor certification from the National Equestrian School in Saumur, setting her on the path to equestrian sports and competition.
She then moved to the United Kingdom to continue her journey, studying political science at Warwick University. During this time, she discovered eventing, often referred to as the “triathlon of equestrian sports.”
Balancing practical experience with academic studies, Slaoui worked with professional riders to hone her skills. After meeting her coach and partner Deborah Fellous, they graduated and began representing Group F (Africa and the Middle East) on the international stage, starting her professional equestrian career.
Currently based in the UK, they run a professional yard dedicated to breeding, training, and preparing 17 horses for top-level competitions.
Over the past seven years, Slaoui has achieved numerous significant milestones, becoming the first Moroccan woman to compete in international events and representing the MENA region at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships for Young Horses.
She has also participated in Nations Cup events and secured top-10 finishes in four-star competitions.