Ever since she was 20 years old, Sarah has been an avid and passionate motorcycle rider. Growing up with two older brothers who were always involved in motorsports, and going out on action-filled fun activities that included dirt biking in the desert with friends gave her the confidence to pursue this path even further, and get on the track professionally.
Now, the 26 year old, has already ventured into motocross racing. The sport gave her the addictive adrenaline rush, and as she continued to get better by training, she was completely hooked. Not only that, but Sarah also spoke highly of the community as she says “Everyone is supportive, you go to the track and there’s a lot of people, and the atmosphere is just awesome. This time you’re not just a spectator, you’re actually part of the entire thing.”
In the past, Sarah was drawn to the automotive world, but the community wasn’t as welcoming as it is now. Unlike current times, women weren’t dominating the scene back then which resulted into certain drawbacks. Sarah says that “One of the reasons I stopped was because it was kind of uncomfortable. When you go to certain places, especially industrial areas to get stuff done, people just bug you all the time. They don’t think you know what you’re talking about. If you want to do something, they always try to suggest something else, or try to impose their views on you.”
But, this obstacle helped Sarah to find her true passion, motorcycles. Even though there was a negative image around it, she says, “It’s a sport just like any other sport. It takes so much training to do. People tend to have a negative impression about that, but actually, I don’t really see anything negative. The people I’m riding with; my friends, and everyone else is super supportive.” The support alone makes her happy, because to Sarah, it means that any other woman who is interested in this sport will be welcomed completely, without having to struggle with notions that are simply based on stereotypes.
When Sarah was training in the UAE, where a ladies category was actually set and placed within their motocross racing programs, unexpected turnouts occurred. She joined the Solid Racing team as they were looking to expand their territories in the region. The inclusion of a female racer was positive for both of them. But, when Sarah came back to Kuwait, she started looking for local sponsorships, and applied to Yamaha who accepted her as one of them.
“For me, getting the sponsorship was more about getting women to be interested in this sport. Because women here are a huge demographic, and this is a male dominated sport but women haven’t given it a chance as well. I think if you have that personality, you’re tough, and you want something exciting then it’s definitely up your ally. But not a lot of people know it,” says Sarah. With the support of a big company like Yamaha, she is hoping to encourage more women to join the sport, and maybe it will start opening up the doors for a ladies class in Kuwait just like UAE’s.
Sarah also sees herself as her very own challenge. Even though she is a confident person by nature, and has gone through so much training prior to a race, it remains mentally tough. “When you’re racing, you tend to get something like stage fright. So, you really have to work on your mental game a lot,” she says. Sarah has already raced in several countries including the UK and South Africa, and she states that the sport is very technical. That’s why she used to be one of the people who became frustrated easily, but it built up her skills in tolerance and patience.
When Sarah takes a look at how she started to where she’s arrived now it really puts things in perspective. She sometimes spends her vacation by either taking her bike or renting one to go on adventures and ride in different continents around the world, including conquering the mountains of Nepal. She’s managed to snatch the third place at Dubai in the ladies category of motocross races, and it was her first win ever. After that win she says “I kind of don’t want to stop being on that podium, so.. [laughs],” and we certainly do not want to stop seeing her on the podium either!
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL QUESTIONNAIRE
What do you most value about your friends?
They are very talented, accepting and non-judgmental. Each one of my friends has a unique trait that inspires my personal growth.
Which living person do you most admire?
It’s genuinely difficult to choose just one person. I admire all members of my family as they shaped me into the person I am today. My parents would be first, as they are two of the most hardworking, resilient, and supportive people I’ve ever known. My siblings are all compassionate, talented and are always there for me no matter what. All of them are warriors in their own way, and I look up to them and admire them all.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Being content with myself and having fulfilling relationships with friends and family. Watching everyone close to me being happy and living their life.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Definitely my motorcycles and my racing. Maintenance, repairs, buying equipment, and travelling to races definitely burns a hole in my bank account at the end of each month!
What is your most treasured possession?
I have a few personal items from my mother and grandmother that I hold very close to my heart.
What is your greatest fear?
Settling down and not taking chances in life. I don’t want to look back at my life when I’m older and say: “I wish I’d done this, I wish I’d done that.”
What is your most marked characteristic?
I’m really (Like really) persistent. I don’t take “no” for an answer. Which is a good, and a bad thing.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Writing. I love writing, but I don’t think I am any good at it!
What is one trait you have that you are most grateful for?
Never giving up. I always push through things. Sometimes it’s difficult but at other times you look back, and you thank yourself for pushing through it.
What is the human trait you most dislike about others?
Dishonesty. The world would be a much, much better place if we were all just honest with each other.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Just do it!”
What are you favorite words to live by?
Be who you are and say what you mean, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.
Where would you most like to live?
I don’t have anywhere in particular, but it would be nice if I could live in Scotland where I grew up.
If you could have any job, what would it be?
Meteorologist or theoretical physicist.
What would you consider your greatest achievement?
Publishing and presenting a work related paper in Germany. I was proud to be the youngest presenter/publisher there and representing my company.
What do you hope for the future?
Global warming not to fry us alive.
Follow @k.sarah30 on Instagram to check out Sarah’s next big race and adventure.
