ShareBy Maha Al-Sager
When I first believed that I could achieve what I set my mind to, I strived for everything with 100 percent effort. I put my heart and brain into every decision and forced the door to open even when it was locked. I managed to find the right key to achieve success in rhythmic gymnastics even when no one was in favor of it. I started this sport at a relatively old age. My first competition was at 14 when everyone reached their prime.
In Kuwait, rhythmic gymnastics wasn’t as well-known as it is now when girls have many opportunities to achieve their dreams. At my time, it was a struggle to even get approved for one competition. My experience as a female athlete in Kuwait made me who I am today. Learning how to handle situations with adults at 15 years old, every decision reflected my commitment to the sport, from selecting music that resonated with my style to ordering leotards that reflected my personality. Organizing rigorous practice schedules, enrolling in the best camps, and seeking experienced coaches were all part of optimizing my skills and demonstrating unwavering dedication.
When I applied for college, I researched training centers before researching the schools. I moved to San Diego because of the training facilities provided there. Moving to San Diego was a leap into the unknown, leaving the comfort of familiar surroundings behind. I moved, not knowing what my future would be like with gymnastics. I didn’t know if I was going to get approved to compete or not. I didn’t think I would do well in school, let alone handle gymnastics. I didn’t know what life outside Kuwait was, outside my social group, outside the bubble of being a BBS alumnus. But taking this step moved me closer to my dream: the Asian Games.
Each step, uncertain as it seemed, was taken to reach that coveted podium. I am eternally grateful to be part of this wonderful sport, but it has come with many struggles. The biggest challenge I faced was never being good enough, as I often felt underappreciated by my coaches. I always gave 100 percent during training and worked hard. Sometimes, I would stay in the gym for six hours or even longer, doing extra stretching and conditioning to prove something to someone.
Through it all, pleasing myself seemed impossible. My negative mindset didn’t allow me to enjoy the process until I received the message that I would be not only the first Kuwaiti female, but the first GCC female, to compete at the Asian Games.
That pivotal moment marked a profound shift in mindset. Training became no longer centered on external validation, but on personal fulfillment and the joy of embodying the spirit of rhythmic gymnastics. I shifted my focus from pleasing those fixated on correctness to pleasing myself and seeing what I believe is a perfect example of being a rhythmic gymnast.
Engaging in this sport extends far beyond hours of training; it’s a symphony of movement and a language expressing elegance, strength, and persistence. With no expectations at the outset, the aim was to inspire girls to believe that determination and a positive mindset can open any door, regardless of the circumstances. Rhythmic gymnastics is a testament to perseverance and the fusion of grace and strength, even when faced with challenges and societal judgments.
I went from my apartment in San Diego to the enormous podium at the Asian Games. I was the first to compete. I heard my name, saw the vast crowd, and breathed deeply. I recall losing myself in the flow, a harmony of discipline and artistry. Every muscle in my body reacts instinctively, every fiber working in unison. It’s a dance of risk and grace, a testimony to years of dedication. After my first routine, I realized that this sport has taught me more than how to master an apparatus. It has taught me how to master myself. It has shown me that the most profound form of beauty lies in persistence — in the refusal to let the world’s judgments define you. Just as gymnasts must master their movements and string together each element with grace and poise, we must navigate our own path, focusing on our goals and passions.
You might stumble on your choreography if you spend time trying to impress the judges. But when you embrace your unique style and perform for yourself, you truly shine, creating a captivating performance that leaves a lasting impression. Just like in gymnastics, it’s about balancing your own rhythm while not getting lost in the applause of others. From the first uncertain steps in Kuwait to the grand stage of the Asian Games, the journey is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. To every girl out there: set your mind to your dreams, strive forward with positivity, and watch the doors of opportunity open before you.
