The Queen of England is rappelling from a helicopter. (Okay, her stunt double is rappelling—when you’re the Queen, you have one of those.) As the pink-suited figure bops into the Opening Ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics, millions around the globe unite in a moment of delight.
Meanwhile, toward the end of a long line of more than 10,000 athletes waiting patiently to march into the stadium is 17-year-old Nada Arakji. She certainly doesn’t need a stunt double.
Born and raised in Qatar, Arakji is having quite a summer before enrolling at Carnegie Mellon Qatar. She began swimming at age nine in her local Tidal Waves club. One lap led to the Qatar National Team, another lap to the Arab Games, and another lap to the Olympic team. She will not only represent her country, but also be the first female Qatari swimmer to do so.
The London Olympics marks the first time female athletes will be on the rosters of all participating countries, including Muslim nations, such as Qatar. Over the past few years, Qatar has created a women’s sports federation and organized leagues, sending female athletes to international competitions and, now, the Olympics.
During the Parade of Athletes, Arakji smiles and waves at the cheering fans and even spots a “Go Qatar!” poster. In a week’s time, she will swim on behalf of her country, earning fourth place in her freestyle heat. Although she doesn’t qualify for the finals, she plans to continue training for the Brazil Olympics in four years.
On that trip, Arakji says, she plans to bring home a medal for Qatar.
—Courtney Kochuba (DC’07)
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