Salma Al Marri Wins UAE’s First Women’s Athletics Gold in Hammer Throw

UAE athlete Salma Haitham Al Marri made history at the Arab Athletics U18 Championship in Tunisia, held from August 23rd to 27th, 2025, by winning the nation’s first-ever women’s athletics gold medal in international competition.

The 16-year-old claimed gold in the hammer throw with a personal best of 55.78 metres, surpassing Africa’s champion Aya Imran in the final. This victory builds on her growing list of achievements, which include a gold and silver at the 2024 Gulf Championships and 13 medals with Abu Dhabi Athletics Club.

Al Marri, who earlier this year broke the UAE national record with a 49.02-metre throw in Slovenia, is set to compete next at the West Asia Championship from October 2nd to 5th, aiming to continue raising the UAE flag on regional and international podiums.