Jordanian taekwondo star Julyana Al−Sadeq determined to break new ground at Paris 2024
24 June 2024 – In our latest interview with Olympic Solidarity scholarship-holders on the road to Paris 2024, Julyana Al-Sadeq reflects on the cultural challenges she has overcome to reach the top of her sport, and what it means to be a role model to young girls in her home country.
After the disappointment of not qualifying for the Olympic Games Rio 2016, Julyana Al-Sadeq has gone on to reach incredible heights – thanks in no small part to the support of Olympic Solidarity. As a scholarship-holder, she has become a two-time Asian Championships gold medallist and the world number one in taekwondo, and has qualified for Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
“I was overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement when I learned about Olympic Solidarity’s support. It’s been so special for me,” Al-Sadeq said.
“It’s provided not only financial assistance but also validation for my efforts. Now we’re here, preparing for the next Games. I qualified for Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 because of this scholarship – it’s been transformative for my Olympic journey.”
Julyana Al-Sadeq – Jordanian taekwondo star
As well as helping to take her training to a new level, the support offered through the scholarship has been hugely rewarding for Al-Sadeq’s mental health. It has eased anxiety around access to high-quality coaching, resources and international competitions, allowing her to focus on refining her skills and gaining valuable achievements.
“You don’t have to worry about your financial problems [with Olympic Solidarity], which can take a lot out of you, especially when you’re overthinking,” she explained. “It really has changed a lot in my life. I can train with a fully concentrated brain and focus on developing myself more and more to achieve my goals.”
Overcoming cultural challenges and changing attitudes
The support from Olympic Solidarity has also allowed Al-Sadeq to stay true to her own path. Her decision, as an Arab woman, to practise taekwondo has not always been understood or accepted, but with the support of family and mentors, she’s learned to follow her heart.
“Overcoming the resistance I have faced has been a challenge. It’s required a strong sense of determination and belief in my abilities,” Al-Sadeq said.
“I’ve focused on proving my worth through my performances; I wanted to challenge our cultural expectations through my dedication and talent”.
Julyana Al-Sadeq – Jordanian taekwondo star
“My family and mentors have encouraged me to stay resilient and to serve my passion, despite social pressures. They have always told me, ‘You’re not what they’re saying about you. It’s much more important for us that you’re doing what you love. You should believe in yourself, and you will achieve anything you want.’”
What’s more, Al-Sadeq has become a key figure in helping change attitudes towards young girls within her culture, acting as a role model to a new generation who have been moved by her success and empowered to follow in her footsteps.
“There has been pressure, but now I feel blessed by everyone around me,” she said. “My community has supported me, especially young girls. They often say, ‘You’re my role model; I want to be like you.’ I like that my career and presence in sport has changed something in our culture.”
Prioritising mental health to overcome setbacks
Al-Sadeq’s journey in taekwondo has not been without its setbacks, however, with the failure to qualify for Rio 2016 a particular disappointment. That experience encouraged her to speak to a sports psychologist and tune into how others have recovered from difficult moments in their careers.
“I have worked hard for my mental health. I kept searching for a solution, and I kept listening to athletes speak about the challenges they’ve faced,” she revealed. “Setbacks can take a significant toll on any athlete’s mental well-being, and it’s become such an important area for me to look after.
“It’s about everything. It’s about all your doubts – and everyone has doubts, even Olympians. But I always say that you must face your enemy, and you are your own enemy. If you can beat your first enemy – yourself – you can face even the toughest of opponents.”
Julyana Al-Sadeq – Jordanian taekwondo star
Working on her mental strength has been key to Al-Sadeq becoming the first Jordanian and Arab woman to top the World Taekwondo rankings, following her victory at the Saudi Grand Prix in December 2022. Since then, she’s grown in self-belief and has started to visualise success on the Olympic stage.
“I worked so hard for that day to come. I was extremely happy because my dedication paid off,” she said. “I kept reminding myself, ‘You can do it, you can do it. You can be in any place you want to be in.’ It has given me more confidence in myself.”
Breaking new ground in Paris
After the honour of being Jordan’s flagbearer at Tokyo 2020, Al-Sadeq has set her sights on a new goal at Paris 2024.
“It was incredibly inspiring to represent Jordan on such a huge stage and be my country’s flagbearer. After the Games, my determination was to improve,” she said. “For Tokyo, I qualified through the Asian Qualification Tournament; for Paris, I qualified as one of the top six [athletes] in the world. I set higher goals for myself.
“In Paris, my objective is to win a medal and make my country proud. Being ranked as one of the favourites adds pressure but also serves as motivation. I’m focused on maintaining my performance, staying in good health and giving my best efforts on the biggest stage. I’m dreaming of an Olympic medal.”
Julyana Al-Sadeq – Jordanian taekwondo star
Alongside her personal goals, Al-Sadeq hopes that her career will help inspire Arab and Muslim women to practise sport at all levels, and competing at the first Games to achieve full gender parity on the field of play is part of an even bigger picture.
“I always think about the next generation of young girls. I want them to grow up practising sport in general, especially taekwondo,” she said. “We don’t have the same number of female [athletes] in taekwondo, but in Paris, it’s going to be equal in the arena. I feel so proud to say that. It tells me that we’re moving in the right direction.”
Over 1,300 athletes supported through Olympic Solidarity
A total of 1,331 athletes from 159 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), covering 26 sports, received Olympic Solidarity scholarships for Paris 2024. Olympic Solidarity aims to ensure that talented athletes of all backgrounds have an equal chance of reaching and succeeding in the Olympic arena by providing crucial funding to help finance their Olympic dreams. With a particular focus on athletes and NOCs most in need, Olympic Solidarity scholarships provide athletes with financial support through monthly grants that contribute to their preparation and qualification for the Games, whether in their home country or at a high-level training centre abroad.
