The recent conclusion of the Saudi Games has left an inspiring impact on participants. With 9,000 athletes—both local and expatriate—competing across 52 sports, one standout was Elisa Grassi, an Italian expatriate who claimed gold in women’s road cycling during her second time at the Games.
Originally from northern Italy and working as a biomedical researcher, Grassi discovered her love for cycling after relocating to Saudi Arabia in 2019. She noted that embracing cycling became the “best decision” of her life. Having always been active, Grassi initially participated in local running events for fun. However, after dealing with injuries from running, she switched to cycling in 2021, eventually leading her to compete in the Saudi Games.
In the first edition of the Saudi Games in 2022, Grassi earned gold in women’s triathlon, which motivated her to focus solely on cycling, joining the AlUla sports club. She found joy in cycling, declaring that despite challenges, her excitement for training remained strong.
Grassi dedicated herself to rigorous training, often waking up at 2:30 a.m. on weekends. Her hard work paid off when she qualified for the Saudi Games in August. During the qualification race, she decided to wait until the last lap to make her move, ultimately realizing her potential and pushing ahead when others were fatigued.
The days leading up to the main event were filled with camaraderie among her teammates and support from her coach, which enhanced her race experience. Grassi’s attention to detail in studying the course helped her prepare for the competition on October 5, contributing to her successful performance.
Crossing the finish line brought a wave of emotions for Grassi, who was grateful for the teamwork and support that played a crucial role in her victory. She reflected on her coach’s encouragement to take the lead, which bolstered her confidence.
Looking forward, Grassi feels driven to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s growing sports community, aspiring to represent the Kingdom on an international level. She is passionate about showcasing the resources and enthusiasm available for women’s sports in the country.
In addition to her athletic pursuits, Grassi is also engaged in groundbreaking research. As a PhD candidate at King Abdullah University for Science and Technology, she is developing innovative cancer diagnostic tools in collaboration with King Saud University. Her project focuses on creating a less invasive blood test for early cancer detection, which has the potential to transform healthcare standards across Saudi Arabia.
Grassi’s journey showcases the incredible opportunities that have unfolded since she moved to Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Games served as a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to developing a vibrant sports culture and supporting athletes in their pursuits.
