Sondos Alshareef, born on May 13, 1992, is a rising judo athlete whose journey proves that age is just a number when combined with talent, dedication, and hard work. From a young age, Sondos discovered her natural ability in sports, excelling in basketball, badminton, football, and sprint racing during her school years. Her love for sports started not just from winning, but from enjoying the challenge and pushing herself to improve.
Early Love for Physical Challenges
As a child, Sondos used to play judo with her boy cousins. They called their game “who throws the other on their back,” unaware that the moves she mastered, like the O Soto Gari, were official judo techniques. For her, it was simply fun and playful competition. However, these early experiences planted the seed for her later passion for judo, highlighting her physical strength and natural talent.
From HR Work to Following a Dream
Sondos initially worked in Human Resources, but she eventually lost interest in her career and felt unhappy. Seeking fulfillment, she explored different sports and decided to give judo a try. After just a month of training, she realized that she had not only a talent for judo but also a love for the strategic thinking it requires. She enjoyed the mental challenge of throwing an opponent, not just relying on strength, which made her realize that judo was more than a sport it was her calling.
Breaking Barriers and Winning Bronze
Sondos’ dedication quickly paid off. She became one of the top judo athletes in Saudi Arabia and proved herself as a strong competitor against more experienced athletes. Within a short period, she won bronze twice in the Saudi Games, claimed gold in both the -48kg and -52kg categories at the national championships, and also earned silver and bronze in the -57kg category. On the international stage, she won a bronze medal at the Asia Open in Jordan, demonstrating that age does not limit success when talent is paired with discipline and commitment. Her achievements serve as proof that with resilience and hard work, even late starters can compete at the highest levels.
Challenges Along the Way
Starting her judo journey in March 2023, Sondos faced significant challenges. Quitting her job meant facing financial difficulties, and initially, she had no female training partners. She trained with high-level juniors and men, who were often physically stronger, making it hard to implement her techniques. This was not a matter of defeat but rather a constant test of her resilience. At times, it left her questioning where she stood compared to other female competitors, and it sometimes made her feel down. Still, she embraced every training session as a chance to learn, adapt, and improve, which played a big role in shaping her into the athlete she is today. Now, she has a women’s team to train with, while still sparring with men and juniors when needed to sharpen her skills.
Representing the National Team
Following her success in the Asia Open, Sondos was selected to represent her country at the Islamic Solidarity Games, to be held in Riyadh for the first time. This international competition will provide her with valuable experience and allow her to grow further as an athlete. Each competition is a chance to learn, refine her skills, and push her limits.
Breaking Barriers Beyond Age
Sondos believes that age has at times been a barrier to opportunities, but she has already proven through her results, performance, and steady progress that age does not define potential. She continues to show that determination and hard work can overcome such limitations. With the right support and investment, she is confident that she can break even more barriers—not only the ones imposed by others but also the ones people often set for themselves.
Lessons in Humility and Hard Work
Through her journey, Sondos has discovered that humility and persistence carry greater value than simply winning or losing. She emphasizes giving her best in every match and trusting the process. Her philosophy is simple: setbacks, failures, and closed doors are not the end—they are part of the journey. What matters is continuing to fight, remain focused, and never give up.
Inspiring Others Through Passion and Determination
Sondos wants to be remembered not just for her achievements but for her passion, grit, and persistence. Her story is a reminder that obstacles can be overcome with resilience, determination, and hard work. She hopes her journey will inspire others to pursue their dreams regardless of challenges, proving that no goal is too distant when one refuses to give up.
The Road Ahead
For Sondos Alshareef, the journey is far from over. She is committed to improving her skills, gaining more competition experience, and making her mark in international judo. Her focus is on growth, resilience, and proving that with dedication, age and obstacles cannot define a person’s potential.
Sondos’ story is not only about medals and competitions it is about embracing challenges, finding joy in the process, and inspiring others through relentless effort. She is a living example that passion combined with perseverance can turn dreams into reality.
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