Following a memorable year which included a commendable performance at the Paris Olympics and the honour of being the nation's flag bearer at the Games' opening ceremony, UAE's fast-rising showjumping star Omar Al Marzooqi added another feather to his cap during the world equestrian body FEI's awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
Al Marzooqi, 21, received the FEI Rising Star award – a first for Arab riders – for a promising campaign where he reached the final round at the Paris Games. Prior to that, he bagged two medals – silver in the individual and bronze in the team event – at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
The Emirati dedicated the award to the nation, Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza, chairperson of the Sheikha Fatima bin Mubarak Sports Academy and founder of the Al Shira’a Stables, and his team for the support they provided.
“I’m really honoured to be the first Arab to receive this award from the FEI and this I’m sure will inspire many Arab and Emirati riders to pursue equestrian sports,” Al Marzooqi said.
This award has certainly inspired me further. My next task is to qualify for the FEI World Championship and the 2028 Los Angeles Games.”
Al Marzooqi’s journey in equestrian began at age seven at his father’s stables at the Albahiya Equestrian Club in Abu Dhabi. From his debut in national competitions at nine to his first international event at 12 years of age, it became clear Al Marzooqi was here to stay.
He became the first Emirati to win a medal – silver – at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in 2018. This year, he made his mark at the Olympic Games as the youngest equestrian competitor, advancing to the Individual Final and finishing among the top 20 in his Olympic debut in Paris.
Al Marzooqi and cyclist Safiya Al Sayegh also carried the UAE’s flag during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.
“I feel so proud to win the Longines FEI Rising Star award, especially as it is the first time someone from the UAE has received it,” Al Marzooqi said.
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