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On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the Lebanese women who continue to break barriers in sport. Across disciplines, these athletes have pushed past limitations, represented Lebanon on international stages and carved out space for women in fields where opportunities have often been limited.
Their journeys are defined by resilience, discipline and determination. Despite the challenges of pursuing professional athletics in Lebanon, they continue to compete, lead and inspire the next generation of young girls to dream bigger.
May El Khalil is a true pioneer in the world of sports, particularly in Lebanon’s running community. As the founder of the Beirut MarathonShe has dedicated her career to promoting health and fitness, inspiring people across the country to embrace sports as a way of life. May’s journey is not just about physical endurance, but also about overcoming adversity and breaking down the barriers that often prevent women from excelling in athletics. Her passion for empowering others makes her a trailblazer in sports. Read our Article on the Beirut Marathon here.
Captain of the Lebanese national basketball team, Rebecca Akl champions women’s sports on and off the court. Founder of Brainers Basketball Academy, she mentors young athletes and showcases how passion, discipline, and national pride can inspire a new generation. Read our interview with Rebecca Akl here.
Lebanon’s fastest woman, Aziza Sbaity, It has set national records in sprinting and represents the country internationally. Her journey reflects perseverance, dedication and the pursuit of excellence despite systemic challenges in Lebanese athletics. Read our interview with Aziza Sbaity here.
Olympic skier Manon Ouaiss is a trailblazer in Lebanese winter sports. From breaking records to earning gold at the Asian Championships, she inspires through athletic achievement, national pride and a fearless approach to competition. Read our interview with Manon Ouaiss here.
Lebanese swimmer Lynn Hajj He represented the country on the world’s biggest sporting stage, competing at the Olympic Games after years of rigorous training and dedication. Having started swimming at the age of three, she quickly rose through the ranks to compete internationally, balancing demanding training schedules with the mental discipline required for elite competition. Her journey reflects the perseverance and commitment required to succeed in one of the world’s most demanding sports. Read our interview with Lynn Hajj here.
A rising star in mixed martial arts, Sylvie Samaha is carving out a place for Lebanon in the global MMA arena. Known for her fierce determination and disciplined mindset, she represents a new generation of Lebanese athletes entering sports traditionally dominated by men. Through her performances in the cage and her message of resilience, she continues to inspire others to pursue their ambitions fearlessly. Read our interview with Sylvie Samaha here.
Elite mountaineer Joyce Azzam She is the first Lebanese woman, and one of only a few Arab women, to climb all seven summits of the world. Born during the Lebanese Civil War in Beirut and living with hypermobility syndrome, Joyce has continually broken barriers both in sports and in society. Appointed as UN Women National Goodwill Ambassador for Lebanon, she dedicates her life to inspiring young women and promoting girls’ empowerment through her achievements in mountaineering, public speaking, and activism.
Lebanese taekwondo athlete Laetitia Aoun He represented Lebanon at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Starting taekwondo at the age of nine, she quickly rose through the ranks to become a six-time Lebanese champion, overcoming injuries and setbacks along the way. Balancing medical studies with elite-level training, Laetitia exemplifies discipline, resilience, and determination. Her journey highlights not only her personal achievements but also the growing presence of women in combat sports in Lebanon. Through her performance on the international stage, she continues to inspire young athletes to pursue their goals despite obstacles.
Lebanese weightlifting trailblazer Mahassen Hala Fattouh has made history as the first woman to represent Lebanon in international competitions. With multiple medals at the Mediterranean and Arab Championships, she continues to inspire young athletes and pave the way for women in sports across the country.
Lebanese triathlete Lindzi Nader has made her mark across swimming, cycling and running, consistently pushing the boundaries of endurance. Her resilience and dedication have set new standards in multisport competitions across the Middle East. Beyond her personal achievements, Lindzi inspires young athletes through her coaching and academy, empowering the next generation to dream big and embrace the challenges of sport.
Former Olympic athlete Zeina Mina represented Lebanon at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, marking an important milestone for Lebanese women in international athletics. Today, she continues to shape the future of sport through leadership and education, notably serving as Director of the Jeux de la Francophonie in Paris and contributes to the development of sports programs in Lebanon.
A dominant figure in Lebanese table tennis, Mariana Sahakian has represented Lebanon on the Olympic stage and is a multiple-time national champion. Known for her longevity and consistency, she qualified for both the Rio 2016 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, continuing to compete at the highest level while helping raise the profile of table tennis in Lebanon
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