The recent conclusion of the Saudi Games marked a significant milestone, leaving an indelible impact on all who participated.
With around 9,000 athletes from both local and expatriate backgrounds, the event showcased 52 different sports. Among them was Elisa Grassi, an Italian expat who clinched gold in the women’s road cycling event, demonstrating her remarkable athletic abilities.
At 28, Grassi hails from northern Italy and serves as a biomedical researcher. Her journey into the world of cycling began not in her homeland but in Saudi Arabia, where she moved in 2019. She describes taking up cycling as the “best decision” she ever made.
Throughout her childhood, Grassi was actively involved in sports, but it wasn’t until she relocated to Saudi Arabia that she found a love for cycling. Initially participating in local running events for fun, a series of running injuries prompted her to switch gears and take up cycling in 2021, eventually training for triathlons. Her participation in the Saudi Games ignited a more serious commitment to the sport.
Grassi’s efforts bore fruit when she won gold in the women’s triathlon at the inaugural Saudi Games in 2022. This victory inspired her to focus exclusively on cycling, leading her to join the AlUla sports club.
Cycling quickly became her favorite discipline, and her passion, coupled with the encouragement from friends and teammates, fueled her commitment. Even on tough days, she wakes up with enthusiasm for training, driven by her love for the sport.
Her rigorous preparation for the 2024 Saudi Games involved waking up as early as 2:30 a.m. on weekends for training. By August, her hard work paid off, as she excelled in qualifying for the road cycling event.
When reflecting on her qualifying race, Grassi was uncertain what to expect but decided to stay within the group until the final lap. Surprised by the fatigue of her competitors, she seized her opportunity, feeling strong enough to take the lead.
As she approached the main event on October 5, the excitement grew. The days leading up to the race were filled with enjoyment as she bonded with teammates at the hotel and engaged in training with her coach. Grassi credited her teammate Mashael, who had more racing experience, for being a valuable source of knowledge and support.
The strong sense of camaraderie within her team, including coach Yahya Al-Shammari and supportive friends like Manal Ibrahim, played a crucial role in her journey. While she initially faced the qualification round alone, she found comfort and encouragement during the final event with her teammates beside her.
Familiarizing herself with the race course proved beneficial, as Grassi executed her race plan effectively, making her move at just the right moment to secure victory.
Crossing the finish line was a deeply emotional moment, filled with pride and happiness, especially given the challenges she had overcome. Grassi expressed gratitude for her team’s support, acknowledging their integral role in her success.
Looking ahead, Grassi is inspired not only by personal achievements but also by a desire to positively impact the burgeoning sports community in Saudi Arabia. She hopes to represent the Kingdom on the international stage, showcasing the growth and opportunities available in women’s sports.
In addition to her athletic pursuits, Grassi is making strides in the field of science as a PhD candidate at King Abdullah University for Science and Technology. Her groundbreaking work involves developing innovative cancer diagnostic tools in collaboration with King Saud University, utilizing liquid biopsies and advanced technologies to improve early cancer detection.
Reflecting on her journey, Grassi cherishes the opportunities she’s encountered since moving to Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Games represented not just a personal milestone, but also a testament to the Kingdom’s evolving sports landscape, reinforcing the supportive environment that has allowed her to thrive in both athletics and her professional endeavors.
