Sana Arif leads Pakistan's charge in int'l triathlon

Fans hail triathlete's journey as remarkable tale of strength, courage and pride

ISLAMABAD:

Sana Arif, who pioneered Pakistan's presence in international triathlon, has made everyone proud with her prowess in athletics.

Many describe her journey as a triathlete as a remarkable tale of strength, courage, and pride.

Born in Kuwait and raised in Lahore, Pakistan, Sana returned to Kuwait in 2007, carrying her passion for sports.

From childhood, sports played an essential role in her life. Still, becoming a triathlete was never her initial goal.

Her inspiration struck after hearing the story of an American athlete. He honoured his late friends by completing an Ironman race. This touching story left a lasting impression on Sana.

Yet, even then, swimming posed a significant barrier. She had never swum in open water, let alone a swimming pool. Fear held her back.

In 2021, Sana took the brave step to learn to swim. Her sisters joined her, adding motivation and fun to this new experience. Friends also played an essential role, encouraging her step by step, according to Sana.

With their support, Sana overcame her fear of deep water. Remarkably, within two years, she completed her first Ironman 70.3 event in Turkey. Ironman 70.3 is a tough endurance race. Athletes swim 1.9 kilometres, cycle 90 kilometres, and finish by running 21.1 kilometres.

It demands physical strength, mental toughness, and a disciplined routine. Sana's preparation involved intense training every day. She often woke at 4 am to train before Kuwait's extreme summer heat set in.

Temperatures frequently crossed 50 degrees Celsius, making outdoor training especially challenging. Sana credits her family's unwavering support for her achievements. Her parents and siblings provided emotional strength, even amid their worries about her safety.

This family bond was crucial during the tough times. Representing Pakistan at international events brings Sana immense pride.

It also brings unique challenges. Without much national backing for triathlon, she often feels alone during competitions.

Despite this isolation, it fuels her motivation. She sees herself as proof that Pakistan can excel in endurance sports. Financial challenges in triathlon are significant.

Equipment, travel, and training expenses quickly add up. Sana hopes the Pakistani government and local sponsors can provide more support.

This backing would open doors for talented athletes who are unable to afford this expensive sport. Greater investment could transform Pakistan's presence in global triathlon competitions.

Discipline, Sana says, is the most vital aspect of becoming a successful triathlete. She stresses that triathlon is not just physical. It also demands mental strength.

Balancing intense training with family and professional responsibilities is tough. Yet, Sana finds immense fulfilment in overcoming these daily challenges.

For women and young athletes interested in triathlon, Sana has simple yet powerful advice: start small but stay consistent. She emphasises that having support is crucial.