Show cover of The Mettleset Podcast

The Mettleset Podcast

The Mettleset Podcast is on a mission to bring you stories of tenacity, courage and mettle from athletes in the Middle East and beyond. From women’s sports and motorsports to adventure, action- and ultra- endurance sports, and everything in between, listeners will get a dose of the region’s most compelling - fun and funny - underreported sports stories every week. Hosts Dawn Barnable (Sports Communications Professional & Ultra Cyclist) is joined by friends who range from record - and boundary – breaking athletes, world-class explorers, community sports leaders and pro athletes at every stage of their career. For more info, visit www.themettleset.com and find us on all major socials at @themettleset.

Tracks

The UAE Tour Women (Feb 6-9) is the Middle East’s first and only Women’s WorldTour race, where the world’s best cyclists battle it out over four intense stages covering 540km across the UAE’s desert landscapes. In this special three-part series,In Episode 3 of our three part BTS series  we celebrate UAE Team ADQ’s incredible victory, with insights from key figures who made it happen:🚲 Melissa Moncada, Head of Team, on the significance of this win for UAE cycling and the growth of women’s cycling in the region.🚲 Cherie Pridham, Head of Sport, a trailblazer as the first woman to hold a sport director role on a men’s WorldTour team before joining UAE Team ADQ, shares her thoughts on the team’s performance and success.🚲 Silvia Persico, who finished second in the GC and was instrumental in Elisa Longo Borghini’s Stage 3 victory, reflects on her role and the team’s strategy.🚲 Elisa Longo Borghini, fresh off her GC win, shares her experience of the race, her emotions after taking the overall victory, and a personal reflection on racing with her brother as a tour director.🔗 Links discussed in this episode:📖 Read Dawn’s full race coverage in Arab News📸 Follow UAE Team ADQ on Instagram🚲 For more stories on women in sport! Find us on @themettleset ✨📩  Subscribe to The Mettleset newsletter for exclusive stories on MENA women’s sports, HEREIn this series:Episode 1: Inside the race with journalist Emma ColeEpisode 2: A behind-the-scenes look inside the Human Powered Health support car🚲 For more stories on women in sport! Find us on @themettleset ✨📩  Subscribe to The Mettleset newsletter for exclusive stories on MENA women’s sports, HERE— Dawn

14/02/2025 • 19:16

Welcome to The Mettleset Podcast! This is Episode 2 of our special three-part series taking you behind the scenes at the UAE Tour Women—the Middle East’s first and only Women’s WorldTour race, held from February 6-9, 2025.  I go BTS in Human Powered Health  team’s support car during Stage *, the final stage of the race. Riding alongside Communications Director Oscar Skarsbrook and Soigneur Jose Leite—also known as a swanny,the ultimate Swiss Army knife of a cycling team—I get an exclusive look at the inner workings of a pro cycling team on race day.  In our support van chat, we discuss: 🚲 The role of a support team in pro cycling  🚲 The dynamics of race-day logistics  🚲 Human Powered Health’s mission and team culture  🚲 The importance of soigneurs in keeping a team on the road  🚲 The Embrace Every Moment  series by Wahoo  A huge thank you to Oscar, Jose, and the entire Human Powered Health team for this unforgettable experience.  🔗 More on what was discussed in this episode:   🚲 Learn more about Human Powered Health: https://www.instagram.com/hphcycling/ 🚲 Watch Wahoo’s Embrace Every Moment series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOA289t6dxQ 🚲 For more stories on women in sport! Find us on @themettleset ✨📩  Subscribe to The Mettleset newsletter for exclusive stories on MENA women’s sports, HEREEnjoy!Dawn

14/02/2025 • 38:16

The UAE Tour Women is the Middle East’s first and only Women’s WorldTour event—where the best cyclists in the world battle it out across four days and 540km of intense racing in the UAE’s desert landscapes. In this special three-part series The Mettleset takes you behind the scenes of the race (Feb 6-9). In Episode one of three,  I speak with journalist Emma Cole, who has been covering the race for Cycling News. Recorded just ahead of the final stage, we discuss Emma’s impressions of the event, the growth of women’s cycling, and her own podcast, The Passion Stories Podcast. 🔗 Links discussed in this episode:   📖 Read Dawn’s full race coverage in Arab News 🎙️ Check out Emma’s podcast,The Passion Stories Podcast🔗 Find Emma on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/emmasecole/ In the series 🔹 Episode 2: A behind-the-scenes look inside the Human Powered Health support car  🔹 Episode 3: Exclusive interviews with **UAE Team ADQ**, including Elisa Longo Borghini, after the team’s historic victory  🔗 For  more stories on women in sport! Find us on @themettleset 🚴‍♀️✨📩  Subscribe to The Mettleset newsletter for exclusive stories on MENA women’s sports, HERE Enjoy! Dawn

14/02/2025 • 22:48

Happy New Year! After a much-needed break, we’re kicking off 2025 with a truly inspiring story. Host Dawn Barnable sits down with Jola Chudy, an ultra-runner and former luxury fashion editor who transformed her life to embrace adventure, resilience, and self-discovery. Jola’s journey—from the glamorous fashion industry to conquering one of the toughest foot races in the world, the Marathon des Sables—reminds us all that it’s never too late to pivot, dream big, and chase extraordinary goals.In this episode, Jola shares:👠 ➡️ 👟 How she transitioned from the high-paced fashion world to the rugged trails of ultra-endurance running.🏜️ Her experience tackling the 252km Marathon des Sables, often called the toughest foot race on Earth.💫 The lessons she’s learned about resilience, stepping outside her comfort zone, and embracing new challenges.📖 Why any time is the right time to rewrite your narrative and embark on a fresh adventure.Resources:Learn more about the Marathon des Sables: https://www.marathondessables.com/ Connect with Jola Chudy: https://www.instagram.com/jolaruns/Follow The Mettleset: https://www.instagram.com/themettleset/ More from The Mettleset If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need a little inspiration to kickstart their new year. Sign up for our newsletter: https://themettleset.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=605dd939a55794e8902a1c3a6&id=609df9d8c0

24/01/2025 • 68:59

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.comhttps://sailgp.com/teams/mubadala-brazil/martine-grael If you’ve been enjoying our episodes, don’t forget to show your support by hitting the subscribe/follow button wherever you’re listening so you never miss an episode.We’d also love to hear from you! Leave us a 5-star review and follow @themettleset on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Your support helps us continue bringing you incredible stories like Martine’s!Dawn

22/11/2024 • 21:08

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/ If you've been enjoying our content and finding value in our discussions, please take a quick moment to show your support. Just hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to us so that you never miss an episode.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

15/11/2024 • 15:45

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.

08/11/2024 • 32:29

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 ResponseECWR Statement on DiscriminationUAE 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 TicketsWTA Finals Debut in Riyadh - Saudi Arabia hosts its first professional women’s tennis tournament, aiming to inspire the next generation.Related Links: WTA Finals TicketsBurj 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.

01/11/2024 • 11:57

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.

25/10/2024 • 12:14

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_underwaterDon’t forget to follow @themettleset and please do leave us a review (five star only). I hope you enjoy the episode! Dawn 

21/10/2024 • 64:19

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.comDawn

18/10/2024 • 40:22

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.comHave a fabulous weekend, and thanks for listening!

11/10/2024 • 06:34

In this episode I’m joined by Sports Physiotherapist and New Balance Run Club Coach, Melissa Abbey, to break down everything you need to know about running—whether you’re just starting, getting back into it, or aiming for bigger distances. Melissa, who’s currently training for the New York Marathon, shares her expert insights into injury prevention, strength and conditioning, and how to make running enjoyable at any level.You’ll also hear about Melissa’s journey as a triathlete, her experience as a sports physiotherapist, and the exciting rollout of the New Balance Run Club across the region. Whether you're targeting your first 5K or planning to go ultra, this episode is packed with tips to help you run smart, stay injury-free, and find joy in the process.Key Topics Discussed:  How to safely start or restart your running journey  Tips for progressing from shorter distances to marathons and beyond Why a sports physiotherapist can be a key asset for runners  Importance of strength and conditioning for injury prevention  Nutrition, hydration, and recovery tips  Overcoming the intimidation factor and just startingResources Mentioned in the EpisodeFollow Melissa @melissa_abbey_physio Exercises for strength and conditioning: Calf Raises Single Leg Exercises Sit to Stand  Recommended running shoes:  For Race Day: New Balance FuelCell Super Comp Elite For Every Day: New Balance 1080 Sign up for the New Balance Run Club:  Dubai @nbrc_dubai - Sign Up Here Abu Dhabi @nbrc_abudhabi - Sign Up Here Doha @nbrc_doha - Sign Up Here Riyadh @

07/10/2024 • 43:32

Hello, Welcome to our new format, featuring the news headlines for the week, centering women and women’s stories! We hope you like this new format. The Mettleset is now two years old so a big thank you to everyone who has supported us, followed and engaged and liked our content, especially the athletes who have entrusted us to share their stories. More info on the news shared this week: The Saudi Games The Women’s T20 Women’s World CupThe ESeries announces DohaTeam Saudi at the World Freediving ChampionshipThe Sport Industry ForumOur interview this week is with Melissa Moncada, President of Pro Cycling Team, UAE Team ADQ: https://www.uaeteamadq.com Thanks for listening! Please like, follow, subscribe and share and for news tips, email us at hello@themettleset.com. Follow us @themettlesetDawn

04/10/2024 • 21:00

In Part 2 of this special episode we continue exploring the transformative power of The Alpine Run Project (supported by Nike, JD Sports & Strava) and the incredible journeys it has enabled. In this episode, we hear firsthand from Eleana Matos and Nimrah Sohail,  two inspiring young women who went from inner-city life to the French Alps as part of this trail running initiative. Their stories offer a deep look into how sport and nature have helped them discover their potential, redefine their futures, and build a sense of belonging and purpose.We’re also joined by Darren Davis, John McAvoy’s former prison officer, who shares his perspective on John’s transformation and how his support and mentorship helped shape the foundation of the Alpine Run Project. Darren’s unique role in John’s life shows the profound impact one person can have on another’s path to redemption and success.If you missed Part 1 with John McAvoy, make sure to listen for a deeper dive into his remarkable personal story and the origins of this project.Links & Resources:Learn more about The Alpine Run Project: https://www.ybb.agency/alpine-run-project Watch the ARP documentary on Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/Streets-Peaks-Andy-Ashworth/dp/B0D4YT7S9B Follow John McAvoy on Instagram: @jonnymac83 Follow Eleana on Instagram: @eleana_runs Don’t forget to follow @themettleset and please do leave us a review (five star only). I hope you enjoy the episode! Dawn

25/09/2024 • 47:01

In this special two-part episode, we’re diving deep into the incredible story of The Alpine Run Project—a transformative trail running initiative designed to empower young people from inner cities in the UK through nature, community, and sport.In this, Part 1 of 2, we chat with John McAvoy the founder of The Alpine Run Project and a Nike-sponsored athlete. John’s own journey from a notorious armed robber to an endurance athlete is nothing short of remarkable. Having broken eight British and three World indoor rowing records while serving a double life sentence, John has transformed his life through the power of sport—and now, he's paying it forward.In this episode, John shares:His personal transformation story, including his time in prison and how he discovered his natural aptitude for endurance sports.What inspired him to start The Alpine Run Project and how it offers inner-city youth the opportunity to explore their potential through trail running.How the project, now in its second year, has grown with the support of Nike, JD Sports, and Strava—and how it’s making a lasting impact on the young people involved.We also discuss the larger themes of this episode, including the transformative power of sport, the importance of mentorship, and the profound influence relationships can have on our lives. John's journey is proof that no matter how dire your circumstances, it’s possible to rewrite your story.Make sure to tune in to Part 2, where I’ll be talking to Elena and Nimrah, two incredible Alpine Run Project alumni, along with Darren Davis, the former prison officer who played an instrumental role in John’s transformation and the creation of the project.Links & Resources:Learn more about The Alpine Run Project: https://www.ybb.agency/alpine-run-project Watch the ARP documentary on Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/Streets-Peaks-Andy-Ashworth/dp/B0D4YT7S9B Listen to more podcasts featuring John’s story:  The Rich Roll Podcast The High Performance PodcastFollow John McAvoy on Instagram: @jonnymac83 Don’t forget to follow @themettleset and please do leave us a review (five star only). I hope you enjoy the episode! Dawn

25/09/2024 • 49:33

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Noemi Romero, Spain’s champion trampoline gymnast and first-time Olympian who recently competed at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. Noemi’s story is a remarkable journey of resilience, hard work, and triumph.From discovering her passion for trampoline gymnastics at just six years old to making history as one of the first Spanish trampoline gymnasts to qualify for the Olympics since the sport’s debut in 2000, Noemi shares her inspiring path. In our conversation, she opens up about the highs and lows of her nonlinear Olympic journey, the challenges of competing on the world stage, and what it truly feels like to soar through the air in a sport that requires both precision and mental strength.If you're in the United Arab Emirates, don't miss the chance to meet Noemi and the Spanish National Trampoline team in person. Until 19 September, you can participate in a masterclass in trampoline gymnastics at BOUNCE locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Head to BOUNCE's website to book your spot and experience the thrill of this incredible sport firsthand.🔗 Meet Noemi Romero and the Spanish National Trampoline Team at BOUNCE: https://bounce.ae/bounce-olympians/ 🔗 Follow Noemi Romero on Instagram: @noemiiromero Don’t forget to follow @themettleset and please do leave us a review (five star only). I hope you enjoy the episode! Dawn

10/09/2024 • 15:05

Hello Everyone,Today's topic is a sport that some of you may or may not be familiar with: Pickleball.  And my guest is none other than one of the world’s top players, Megan Fudge. With roots in Europe, the American has had a meteoric rise in the sport, since she started it four years ago going from insurance advisor to now being ranked #1 in the world. I caught up with Megan in Dubai just prior to the Olympics at the launch of the Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), the PWR World Series and the PWR World Tour, which is an entirely new Pickleball ecosystem set to launch next year.  In my chat with Megan, we discuss what Pickleball is and how it's not in competition with Padel, life as an elite Pickleball athlete, the expansion of the sport and who she’d most like to play with. About the Pickleball World Rankings -  https://pwr.global The new ecosystem comprises a few elements, each working together to promote excellence in the profession: Pickleball World Rankings: PWR is a unified global ranking system that allows a defined path for pickleball players to earn points and improve their rankings. It will enable players to accumulate points and qualify for the PWR World Series through the PWR World Tour in different regions. Different tiers of PWR events - PWR100, PWR 200, PWR 400, PWR700, PWR1000 and PWR2000 - are similar to ATP and WTA tournaments in tennis.PWR World Series: Similar to the Grand Slam events in tennis, these marquee events will begin in March 2025, with six major tournaments, including one in the GCC region. In the first year, the PWR World Series will comprise 64 players in the individual format and six teams of four players  each, from the US and the rest of the world.PWR World Tour: This consists of various tours worldwide where players compete to earn PWR points and qualify for the PWR World Series. Examples include the PWR CPA Pro Tour and the PWR China Collegiate Pickleball Tour. Find Pickleball in Dubai: https://www.touchtennissportsclub.com/pickleballhttps://www.dubaisportsworld.ae/sports/pickleball/https://urbanplayground.ae/pickleball/Find Megan Fudge Online: https://www.instagram.com/officialmeganfudge Don’t forget to follow @themettleset and please do leave us a review (five star only). I hope you enjoy the episode! Dawn

12/08/2024 • 25:07

Today’s guest is the youngest athlete I’ve had on the podcast. At just 8 years-old Zarah Ann Gladys was also the youngest competitor at the World Skateboarding Tour 2024 from Arada, which took place earlier this year in Dubai.  The event, which covered  both park and street skateboarding disciplines, saw skateboarders from all over the world compete to improve their Olympic World Skate Ranking ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.  It was here that I caught up with Zarah - who is India’s highest ranked female skateboarder in the park discipline of the sport, as well as her mom Annie -  and her little sister Karen.In my chat  with both Zarah and her mum I learned about the young athlete’s  intrinsic motivation for the sport, her very wise philosophy and approach to training and how her family, friends and school are enabling Zarah’s talent to flourish.  🛹 To find Zarah online: @zarah_skater🛹 To check out the AlJada Skateboard: @aljadaskatepark🛹 To read more about Zarah from Olympics.com, click HERE Don’t forget to follow @themettleset and please do leave us a review (five ⭐ only). I hope you enjoy the episode! Dawn

13/06/2024 • 20:58

Hello everyone. Today’s guest is one of the region’s most prominent sports journalists. She and I met years ago while I was working in public relations, managing the communications for Yas Marina Circuit for the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and Reem was working as a journalist with Sport 360.  Since that time, Reem’s career has flourished. She is a sports writer, columnist and video journalist for UAE's The National and Saudi Arabia’s Arab News, a tennis contributor to CNN and Eurosport, a contributor to wire agency AFP, as well as other outlets including The Guardian US, BBC News, Dubai Eye 103.8, Al Arabiya, and Wimbledon.com.  She regularly interviews some of the world’s and region’s most famous athletes and travels the world to cover a range of sports stories, not just tennis as she clarifies in our chat.   Most recently, Reem became the host and concept creator of the podcast Abtal, a series dedicated to Arab athletes and their journeys to the Paris 2024 Olympics - linked below. In our chat, we discuss: 🎙️ the state of sports media and why it's important to adapt and learn 🎙️ some of her most memorable moments as a sports journalist including Coco Gauff, Ons Jabeur & Maradona just to name a few 🎙️ her new podcast Abtal 🎙️ what advice she’d give aspiring sports journalists 🎙️ who to watch for this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris 🎙️ the shift in sports journalism and why that’s a good thing for women’s sports, 🎙️ and what more is needed to really level the playing field when it comes to fair and equal coverage of women athletes. This is a must-listen for anyone working in women’s sports or anyone with aspirations to do so! Useful links: 🔗 Reem on Instagram 🔗 Reem’s new podcast Abtal I hope you enjoy the episode! Dawn 

27/05/2024 • 77:57

The Mettleset is back, We have an amazing array of guests lined up, and kicking off this new era is a guest who is simply remarkable. Moroj Adil is Saudi Arabia’s first pro cyclist and you’d be forgiven for not knowing her name yet as she only started cycling two years ago. Yes, that is right, from not knowing how to ride a bike, to being on the Liv Alula Jayco Continental team, her story is one that needs to be heard and what’s most exciting is that it's just getting started. In this episode, we chat through 🚲 How Moroj got started 🚲 Her first race 🚲 Her first mountain bike race, The Neom Titan Desert Race🚲 The AlUla Tour🚲 The Traka 🚲 Joining the Liv AlUla Jayco Continental Team 🚲 Her Olympic aspirations Moroj’s story highlights what’s possible when you don’t put limits on yourself. It’s a story of taking - and making - opportunities, working hard and then letting the magic happen. It’s a story of heart, self-belief and the support you receive along the way. Find Moroj on Instagram at @moroj.adi I hope you enjoy the episode! Dawn 

13/05/2024 • 63:34

This is the fourth episode in a series to commemorate International Women’s Day because for us, every day is International Women’s Day, as we work to help create a more welcoming, equitable and just sports industry for all athletes.  We’ve taken some of the best moments from the 50+ episodes that we’ve recorded to share with you tales of joy, mettle, courage  and wisdom from an amazing array of women in sport from across the region. If you haven’t checked out the first and second in the series, Episode 57, 58 and 59, please go do that HERE and HERE and HERE!  In this episode, you’ll hear stories from: 🇴🇲🏔️ EP 48 - Nadhira Al Harthy,  the first Omani woman to summit everest 🇸🇦🎿 EP 32 - Sharifa Al Sudairi , the first woman on Saudi Arabia’s alpine skiing team 🇸🇦🏃🏽‍♀️ EP 46 - Jude Jamjoom - the Co-Founder of Jeddah Tribe, a thriving Tri community in Saudi Arabia 🇬🇧🤸🏻‍♀️ EP 23 - Sarah Mercer, a UAE Based Olympic gymnast for team GB who’s Olympic journey to the 1992 Barcelona Olympics was far from linear This episode series is dedicated to the memory of Palestinian Karate Champion, Nagham Abu Samra (1999-2024). For more information on Nagham, please visit the following articles HERE and HERE. If you've been enjoying our content and finding value in our discussions, please take a quick moment to show your support. Just hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to us so that you never miss an episode.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. We hope you enjoy the episode! Dawn & Afshan 

18/03/2024 • 43:43

This is the third episode in a series to commemorate International Women’s Day because for us, every day is International Women’s Day, as we work to help create a more welcoming, equitable and just sports industry for all athletes.  We’ve taken some of the best moments from the 50+ episodes that we’ve recorded to share with you tales of joy, mettle, courage  and wisdom from an amazing array of women in sport from across the region. If you haven’t checked out the first and second in the series, Episode 57 & 58, please go do that HERE and HERE. In this episode, you’ll hear stories from: 🇩🇪 🐪 EP5 - Linda Krockenberger - the UAE’s first female camel jockey trainer 🇦🇪 🚴🏽‍♀️  EP28 - Safiya Al Sayegh  - the first Emirati woman on the Women’s WorldTour and first Emirati woman set to compete in Cycling at the Summer Olympics🇮🇷 🚵🏽‍♀️ EP20 - Faranak Partoatozar - an Iranian Mountain BIke champion, who recently became the first woman to podium in cycling  at the Asian games for Iran 🇦🇪 🏋🏽‍♀️ EP3 - Amna Al Haddad - a barrier breaking Emirati powerlifter who’s many accomplishments paved the way for future generations of emirati athletes 🇦🇺 🏊🏼‍♀️EP28 - Jessica Smith  - a UAE based Australian who uses her experience as a Paraolympian and personal story of  to drive home the importance diversity and inclusion This episode series is dedicated to the memory of Palestinian Karate Champion, Nagham Abu Samra (1999-2024). For more information on Nagham, please visit the following articles HERE and HERE. If you've been enjoying our content and finding value in our discussions, please take a quick moment to show your support. Just hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to us so that you never miss an episode.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. We hope you enjoy the episode! Dawn & Afshan 

15/03/2024 • 39:21

This is the second episode in the Women of Wisdom, a series to commemorate International Women’s Day. For us, every day is International Women’s Day, as we work to help create a more welcoming, equitable and just sports industry for all athletes.  We’ve taken some of the best moments from the 50+ episodes that we’ve recorded to share with you tales of joy, mettle, courage  and wisdom from an amazing array of women in sport from across the region. If you haven’t checked out the first in the series, Episode 57, please go do that HERE.  In this episode, you’ll hear stories from: 🇲🇦 EP 45 - Moroccan Golfer, Maha Haddoui, the first Arab women on the Ladies European Tour 🇸🇦 EP 15 - Saudi Triathlon Trailblazer, Dina Al Tayeb, the first Saudi National and first Arab woman to complete the Ironman World Championships in Kona 🇧🇭 EP 44 - Bahraini Ultra-Runner Fatema Husain, the first Bahraini man or woman to finish UTMB, the world’s toughest ultra race and last but not least 🇮🇳 EP 4  - UAE Based Anisha Shetty of India, A two time UAE Muay Thai Champion and three time national Muay Thai champion for India This episode series is dedicated to the memory of Palestinian Karate Champion, Nagham Abu Samra (1999-2024). For more information on Nagham, please visit the following articles HERE and HERE. If you've been enjoying our content and finding value in our discussions, please take a quick moment to show your support. Just hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to us so that you never miss an episode.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. We hope you enjoy the episode! Dawn & Afshan 

11/03/2024 • 32:41

This is a very special edition of The  Mettleset Podcast, the first of a series, with episodes going live daily next week as well. For us, everyday is International Women’s Day as we work to help create a more welcoming, equitable and just sports industry for all athletes.  Since our first episode went live in October 2022, we’ve had the opportunity to speak with an amazing array of wise women in sport  - from across the region, and beyond it  - who were kind enough to share their stories, their insights and advice and throughout it all, their strength. In honour of our many guests, we wanted to compile some moments to share with you these stories of mettle, friendship, fun, identity, purpose, new beginnings, and big accomplishments from athletes all across the region. This episode features: EP 19 Guest - Lebanese Mountaineer - Nelly Attar EP 10 Guest -  Saudi Motorsport Star - Dania Akeel EP 2 Guest - UAE-Based Endurance Athlete - Ivana Kolaric EP 9 Guest -  Afghan Triathlete - Zeinab Rezai EP 27 Guest -  Guest Emirati Crossfitter Shahad Budebs This episode series is dedicated to the memory of Palestinian Karate Champion, Nagham Abu Samra (1999-2024). For more information on Nagham, please visit the following articles HERE and HERE. If you've been enjoying our content and finding value in our discussions, please take a quick moment to show your support. Just hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to us so that you never miss an episode.If you've been enjoying our content and finding value in our discussions, please take a quick moment to show your support. Just hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to us so that you never miss an episode.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. We hope you enjoy the episode! Dawn & Afshan

08/03/2024 • 31:01

Today’s episode is a  continuation of our discussion on female athlete health with Dr Kate Jordan, a sports and exercise medicine physician at based in Dubai.The first part of this REWIND episode came out last week, and you can access it directly from here: EP55: Part 1 Female athlete health: Sports and Exercise Medicine doctor Kate Jordan on common injuries, LEA and right fuelling for performance.In this episode, we go deeper into our discussion on training on your menstrual cycle, hormones, the importance of supplements, and strength and resistance training as we age. We would like to add that this is a general discussion on athlete health and any information in this podcast is for educational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute a personal consultation with a physician, diagnosis or treatment.  If you have any health concerns, please speak to your doctor. We hope you enjoy the episode! To know more about Dr. Kate Jordan, visit find her on LinkedIn. Today’s episode was supported by the awesome and adventurous team at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool. Check them out for some truly awe-inspiring scuba and freedive experiences. Visit www.deepdivedubai.com For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettlesetDawn

27/02/2024 • 21:06

Concussions, shoulder troubles, ACL tears, low bone density, Low Energy Availability, menopause …Sports, and injuries from it, tend to impact female athletes in a different way to their male counterparts. Yet, it is only now that awareness and medical research has ramped up around the gender differences in sports medicine. Joining us on today’s show to discuss some of the most pressing issues in female athlete health is Dr Kate Jordan, a sports and exercise medicine physician at Mediclinic Parkview Hospital in Dubai.Dr Jordan has worked with elite athletes throughout her career. She’s been with international teams at the London 2021 Olympics, Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games,  She has also been with the British Olympic team, Scottish Rugby and Football, and at the Scottish Institute of Sports.Dr Jordan is currently working with British Swimming, for World Rugby as a tournament doctor and a medical educator, and in anti-doping. Having treated a wide range of illnesses and injuries in elite sports, Dr Jordan shares insights from her personal experiences with patients and current research around female health. She also demystifies female health concerns and talks about the need to look closely at the performance vs long-term health balance. This is the first or our two part interview with Dr Jordan where we explore common injuries in female athletes, Low Energy Availability, disordered eating and the right fuelling for performance and health. Tune in next week for Part 2 where we discuss training, the menstrual cycle, hormones and menopause, as well.We would like to add that this is a general discussion on female athlete health and any information in this podcast is for educational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute a personal consultation with a physician, diagnosis or treatment if you have any health concerns. Enjoy!To know more about Dr. Kate Jordan, find her on LinkedIn. Today’s episode was supported by the awesome and adventurous team at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool. Check them out for some truly awe-inspiring scuba and freedive experiences. Visit www.deepdivedubai.comFor more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettlesetDawn@dawnable  

21/02/2024 • 36:49

It is sport event season in the Middle East and one event that we’re super excited to see roll into Abu Dhabi for its second edition is The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open which is taking place 3-11 February at the International Tennis Center, Zayed Sports City. In today’s episode, we speak to one of the unsung heroines of the event, Vickie Gunnarss, Senior Director, Global Partnerships and Business Development for IMG Tennis Events.Our Vickie  provides many lessons and learnings for any of our listeners who want to work in sport and perhaps is very relatable to those who do work in sport. We also cover:  🎾 Vickie’s own path into sport which started in childhood in Sweden🎾 Tennis School and how she became a scholarship athlete in the USA 🎾 Representation in Tennis, 🎾 How Tennis is moving towards pay equity,  🎾 The role of Tennis great Billie Jean King and what it means to all women in sport 🎾 How she made the transition from athlete to sports management. Last but certainly not least, we chat through all the anticipated action of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open and why you must go. We get a little explainer on what it means for this event to be a WTA 500 event, we talk about the stars of the event, which this year will include World No 6, Tunisia’s own Ons Jabeur, Naomi Osaka, and Emma Raducanu just to name a few. Buy your tickets here: https://www.mubadalaabudhabiopen.com/tickets/Another cool event that Vickie played a key role in bringing to life is the Jasmin Open in Tunisia which you can read all about HERE. 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. Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore. We hope you enjoy the episode! Dawn & Afshan 

31/01/2024 • 50:37

Hi Guys,If you’ve arrived at Part 2 of our chat with Ishtar Azzawi, the founder of Baghdad Skate Girls, after listening to Part 1,  fabulous. We hope you enjoyed it! If not, we urge you to head to Part 1 of this episode to listen to the inspiring origin story of a skateboarding community exclusively for women in Iraq. This instalment dives into Ishtar’s professional sporting career in jiu-jitsu. Since starting the sport, after moving to the UAE in 2011, Ishtar has become a multi-national and international gold medallist competing under Commando Group UAE academy, and is part of the Iraqi National Team. Her recent and most recognised titles include World Pro Champion (April 2019) European Master Champion (May 2019) Grand Slam Champion (Jan 2019) and Asian Champion (2017). Ishtar discusses what she has learnt from the sport that has made her the person she is today, and anecdotes from her time in the ring and off it. We also talk about the not-so-apparent connection between skateboarding and jiu-jitsu, which aren’t really at two ends of the sporting spectrum after all. To find Ishtar on Instagram:  @ishtar_azzawiBaghdad Skate Girls can be followed on @baghdadskategirlsTo know more about Ishtar’s efforts with Forsah, the NGO supporting Iraq’s future Olympians, visit https://www.forsah.org/For more information about the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, visit https://events.uaejjf.org/enIf you've been enjoying our content and finding value in our discussions, please take a quick moment to show your support. Just hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to us so that you never miss an episode.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. Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore. We hope you enjoy the episode! Dawn & Afshan

23/01/2024 • 29:29

Ishtar Azzawi calls this her planting season.It’s fitting because this jiu-jitsu champ, and our guest, who has represented her country Iraq in the sport while living abroad all her life had always felt that her true calling had gone unanswered. So, last year, she decided to pack her life in the UAE and head home to Baghdad. The planting season symbolises more than just a departure from the comfort of a privileged life and unrestricted access to resources in professional sport for her. It signifies a profound shift in purpose and towards embracing her roots, and marks the inception of a new chapter of sowing the seeds of social change in Iraq through another sport - skateboarding. Remarkably, venturing into unfamiliar territory as an amateur skateboarder herself, Azzawi founded Baghdad Skate Girls in December with the aim of bringing the transformative power of skateboarding to women in Iraq. The benefits of introducing the sport in war-torn and war-scarred countries is well-documented. Within that backdrop in Iraq, Baghdad Skate Girls has been fostering resilience, confidence and community, particularly for young women challenging societal norms. In Part 1 of this episode, Ishtar shares why she had to move to Iraq in search of fulfilment and her aspiration to build foundations for young athletes with Olympic dreams. We discuss how one Instagram post began a skateboarding movement in Baghdad, and how it has been received by society. And while the first steps to building a skateboarding community have been taken, Ishtar tells us about the challenges and resources needed to grow and flourish. Also, don’t forget to check out Part 2 next where she discusses her journey into jiu-jitsu and some pre-fight rituals. To find Ishtar on Instagram:  @ishtar_azzawiBaghdad Skate Girls can be followed on @baghdadskategirlsTo know more about Ishtar’s efforts with Forsah, the NGO supporting Iraq’s future Olympians, visit https://www.forsah.org/For more information on other skating organisations working with young people around the world:Skatistan, visit https://skateistan.org/Skate Pal, visit: https://www.skatepal.co.uk/Seven Hills, visit: https://www.7hillspark.com/If you've been enjoying our content and finding value in our discussions, please take a quick moment to show your support. Just hit the subscribe button wherever you are listening to us so that you never miss an episode.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. Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore. On to the show…enjoy!

23/01/2024 • 62:18

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