The Dakar rally is easily the most treacherous and challenging test of endurance in the world of motorsports. The fortnight-long challenge is part race, part festival, and the vibes are thrilling—it’s like watching a live rendition of your favorite scenes from a dystopian desert action thriller, and we’re not even kidding. For Kuwait’s first full-time motocross champion Mohammed Jaffar, it was a life changing experience.

The seasoned motocross rider took to the dunes of Saudi Arabia alongside 107 other professional riders competing in the same category. To say that his experience was exhilarating is an understatement, as the athlete was injured on his very first day, but he persevered.

“The Dakar experience was beyond my imagination. I would have never anticipated what was going to happen. This was my first time to participate, and while I was expecting it to be hard, it was 100 times harder, more dangerous, more challenging and even more treacherous. The terrain we covered were really mind-bending. The conditions were beyond my expectations, and the moving camp meant different conditions every day.”

In his five days of competing, the seasoned rider remained focused and well organized for each day. Even after his first injury, he simply treated himself and continued. You can’t help but want to keep pushing on at Dakar.

Maybe it’s the desert air, the stunning dunes, and the competitive vibe where everyone is pushed to their limits, there is something incredibly special about the Dakar Rally.

Unfortunately, Jaffar hit a snag, literally and professionally. He was injured in an accident while competing and was air lifted out of the competition. When he came to, he didn’t even realize it had happened.

He told bazaar, “Accidents happen, they are part of the competition. When I spoke with fellow riders, they agreed with me that it was sheer luck. I wasn’t being reckless, I wasn’t speeding incorrectly, I was paying attention. But the terrain at Dakar is extremely rocky, I hit a snag on the road, and I was badly injured.”

What happened with Jaffar actually happens with 90% of the top riders competing—it’s all part of the never-ending action at Dakar. Completing the longest stage in the rally, a total distance of 800 kilometers, what he did produce was astounding for a first-time participant, and he returned to Kuwait more energized that before to better train for his return to Dakar. “I can’t wait to go back next year!” He said, with an ambitious glimmer in his eyes.

For Jaffar, competition isn’t simply about being recognized for your rankings, but it is rather about the quality of what you bring to the table. We asked him how he felt as the third Kuwaiti to participate at Dakar, and he kept on referencing the importance of quality when he answered us, “It’s about how you represent yourself, your sponsors and your country.”

He said, “I believe that is my key emotional trigger, I constantly think about the experience I will get out of the rally and what my next steps will be, as well as what I had learned. I wanted to represent Kuwait the best he can, and I believe I did.”

Jaffar has his eyes, and mind, firmly set on the prize—he’s already thinking about his return to the biggest race in the world.

When it comes to preparing for Dakar, or any race for that matter, Jaffar credits his experience as his greatest strength. He stated, “With thirteen years of riding experience, I do not doubt my skills, as it is my experience that earned me the place to compete. I always want to learn from every race I participate in so I can better train and better prepare for the next challenge. It’s always rewarding to come back with a new set of skills and a medal.”

2020 was an off year for most people, including the motocross athlete. And while he didn’t get the opportunity to prepare as well as he wanted to for Dakar, he did his best to make the most out of a negative experience.

He laughingly said, “2020 had no mercy on anyone!”, and added, “Health is a blessing, and I am blessed that the virus didn’t affect me or my family. I feel so bad for everyone who is struggling with this pandemic. We all are.”

Instead, Jaffar channeled his energy into growing his passion project, The Moto School, which aims to build a strong community of young riders from Kuwait. Given travel restrictions, so many people stayed in town, and many who first showed interest in riding approaching Jaffer for his expert guidance.

“I had a great time doing this. I wanted to give back to the community by teaching local amateur riders tricks of the trade.” He considered the experience as a growth opportunity for him more than the eager learners.

When times get tough, we look to the toughest of competitors for inspiration, and Mohammed Jaffar is no exception. He has endured so much and sacrificed his time with his family to be where he is at today. Staying motivated is no easy feat, but it comes with the territory.

“When I think of all of my efforts, the support of my sponsors and my family—all of that matters and all of that has to be considered. You stay motivated, no matter what. Every time I leave my kids and family behind to go and cover insurmountable distances to compete, I want to always make it worth it. I don’t want to go through all of the challenges without a real end goal in mind. “

Winning his very first championship in 2011, Mohammed Jaffar has gone on to win 13 motocross championship titles. His passion for motocross racing began at 14 years of age, and armed with myriad experiences he is posed to take on the Dakar rally next year. And while he hit a literal hitch this year, the athlete’s love for the sport is unstoppable. We can’t wait to see what he does next!

For more on Mohammed Jaffar, check out @Mo_ Jaffar on Instagram. For more information, please visit redbull.com and follow @RedBullKuwait on Instagram and Twitter. Photography by Abdullah Alsaleh @iambooda_ on Instagram.