KUWAIT: What began as a playful jest transformed into a life-altering passion for Omar Al-Medlij, a Kuwaiti motocross racer, when he playfully pilfered his cousin’s dirt bike. Unexpectedly smitten by the thrill of two wheels and a roaring engine, he took the plunge and purchased his own. Immersed in the exhilarating world of dirt biking, he connected with fellow enthusiasts, and guided by one of them, discovered a small motocross track in Kuwait. From that moment, Medlij’s journey on the dirt tracks commenced, marked by the adrenaline rush that defines the world of motocross.
Medlij embarked on his motocross journey in 2012, showcasing a passion that eventually led him to his first race in 2015. Despite being relatively new to the competitive scene, his dedication and self-belief have driven remarkable achievements. Notably, he secured an impressive 6th place at the World Vet Motocross Championship. He noted that motocross was not widely known in Kuwait, but a turning point occurred in 2003 with the construction of several tracks, leading to a gradual increase in both tracks and races over the years.
Regarding the challenges, Medlij said: "We need open, well-maintained and watered motocross tracks in Kuwait. During the off-season from November to March or April, Kuwait closes the tracks, and we need to practice during this period. The off-season hurdle forces riders to practice in Dubai, incurring additional costs.” He called on the government and companies to support local athletes to hone their talents to represent Kuwait globally.
"My goal is to make people aware of the sport and what I’ve been through to reach where I am today. If 90 percent of Kuwaiti young athletes in the country get the needed support from the government, there would be a lot of achievements and the Kuwaiti flag would be raised in international races. Local talents can compete everywhere if they just got the support and someone believed in them,” he added.
Medlij welcomes any beginners who are interested to learn and know more about motocross. "I welcome to guide anyone who has a dirt bike and wants to learn. When anyone contacts me, I guide him or send him to my coach Mohammad Jafaar, who is trying to promote motocross sport in Kuwait.”
He advised beginners to watch, learn and be patient, pointing out that beginners must not be shy or rush to race, as it takes time and effort and a lot of technique to be on the right track. "If you fall and break your elbow or ankle, or lose, it is all part of the experience and learning process. Motocross is not just about speed, but requires mastering balance, control and cornering skills over several years,” he explained.
Medlij indicated that riders need to ride with balance when they use the front brake or turn. To learn all this stuff, you need more than five years, saying motocross is a form of off-road motorcycle racing held on enclosed, dirt-surfaced tracks. The key basics include navigating jumps, turns and obstacles, with riders competing for the fastest lap times.
"It is considered as a dangerous sport if you are not serious about learning. Mastering skills like balance, control and efficient cornering is crucial in motocross. I had a big crash when I took a jump very quickly and broke my right ankle, losing a whole season. Learning is important,” he emphasized. "It is all about consistency and taking the risk, along with believing in yourself. Before a year, I finished 13 out of 45 racers. I was happy; I did not look at the 12 riders who passed me but rather where I reached.”
Medlij’s plea reflects a passionate desire to transcend borders and make his mark on the world stage. His call for global recognition stems from a broader mission to elevate awareness about motocross in Kuwait, highlighting that motocross bikes are more than conventional two-wheelers. "I need the world to know Omar from Kuwait. People here do not have the knowledge about the sport. I need people and sponsors to believe in the sport and that I will represent Kuwait, not to support me financially or make me famous. I need appreciation. I need sponsors to be a part of the journey and support the untapped potential within Kuwait’s motocross community. I will keep chasing the dream and my goals,” he vowed.