Famous Palestinian Sportspersons

Sani Sakakini is a Palestinian professional basketball player known for his impressive performance in the FIBA Asia Championship. In 2015, he excelled in scoring and rebounds, leading the tournament with 22.4 points per game and 12.6 rebounds per game in 8 matches. His exceptional skills and consistency in scoring have made him a standout player in the basketball world. With a proven track record of success in international competitions, Sakakini continues to showcase his talent and make significant contributions to his teams.

Oday Aboushi is a former American football offensive guard who had a successful professional career in the NFL. He played college football at Virginia before being drafted by the New York Jets in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Throughout his career, Aboushi also played for the Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks, Oakland Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, and Los Angeles Rams. His versatility and skill on the field allowed him to make significant contributions to each team he played for.

Mayada Al-Sayad is a prominent long-distance runner with dual citizenship. She has represented Palestine in various international competitions, including the World Championships and the Olympics. Al-Sayad made history as the Palestinian flag bearer at the 2016 Olympics opening ceremony. With a strong background in running, she holds national records in various distances from 800m to the marathon. Besides her athletic achievements, Al-Sayad works as an assistant to her father, who is a dental technician.

Christian Zimmermann is an accomplished dressage rider who has represented Palestine at international equestrian competitions. He took a break from the sport to pursue a career in business, eventually becoming a CEO. Zimmermann made a comeback to competitive dressage, initially competing for Germany before switching his national allegiance to Palestine. This decision improved his chances of qualifying for the Olympics. He has competed at prestigious events such as the World Equestrian Games and the Olympics, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport.

Omar Nabil Krayem is a professional basketball player born in Los Angeles, California. He currently plays as a point guard for Mineros de Zacatecas in the Mexican League. Krayem has shown his skills on the court by leading the FIBA Europe Cup in scoring during the 2015–16 season with an average of 20.4 points per game. Additionally, he excelled in assists, averaging 6.6 per contest. His performance was instrumental in leading Borås Basket to the second stage of the FEC.

Woroud Sawalha is a Palestinian Olympic athlete known for her participation in the 2012 Olympics. Hailing from Asira ash-Shamaliya, she specialized in the women's 800m event and was one of the five athletes chosen to represent Palestine. Despite facing challenges due to the lack of training facilities in Palestine, Sawalha persevered by traveling to Qatar, Egypt, and Jordan for training. Her dedication and commitment to her sport were evident as she proudly carried the Palestinian flag at the closing ceremony of the Olympics.

Mahmoud Eid, also known as Mahmoud Khair Mohammed Dahadha, is a professional footballer from Sweden of Palestinian descent. He plays as a winger for Bangkok United in the Thai League 1. Eid has also represented the Palestine national team in international competitions. Known for his skillful play and versatility on the field, Eid has made a name for himself as a dynamic and talented player. With his experience playing for both club and country, Eid continues to make significant contributions to the world of football.

Suzanne Al Houby is a pioneering Palestinian mountain climber known for her remarkable achievements in the world of mountaineering. She made history on May 21, 2011, by becoming the first Arab woman to conquer Mount Everest and the seven Summits. Additionally, she holds the distinction of being the first Arab woman to summit various other challenging peaks such as Mont Blanc, Elbrus, Aconcagua, Vinson, Denali, and Carstensz Pyramid. Suzanne's professional life is defined by her trailblazing spirit, determination, and passion for conquering some of the world's most iconic mountains.