The UAE Paralympic team made its presence felt at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, with Maryam Al-Zeyoudi and Mohamed Khamis Khalaf each finishing fourth in their respective events — delivering performances that came agonisingly close to a podium finish.
Maryam Al-Zeyoudi Pushes Her Personal Best in Shot Put F40
Maryam Al-Zeyoudi competed in the women's shot put F40 final and produced her best-ever throw of 8.62 metres. The distance was a personal record, yet it left her just four centimetres short of a bronze medal — Tunisia's Raja Jebali claimed third place with 8.66m.
The Netherlands' Lara Baars dominated the event, setting a new Paralympic record of 9.10m to take gold, while Poland's Renata Sliwinska won silver with 9.00m. Al-Zeyoudi's exceptional effort showed she has the talent and determination to compete at the highest level of para-athletics.
Mohamed Khamis Khalaf Falls Just Short in Powerlifting
Veteran powerlifter Mohamed Khamis Khalaf also gave a competitive showing in the 80kg category. He lifted 210kg but finished just outside the podium, with Ukraine's Yurii Babynets claiming bronze after lifting 214kg. China's Panpan Yan dominated the event with a Paralympic record of 242kg, and Egypt's Mohamed El Elfat took silver with 224kg.
Although Khamis Khalaf did not win a medal, the competitive spirit he brought to the platform confirmed his standing as a formidable force in international para-powerlifting.
A Paris Campaign to Build On
The UAE team's campaign at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games was broader than two events. Ahmed Al Badwawi served as flag-bearer at the opening ceremony, Abdullah Sultan Al Aryani finished sixth in the 50m rifle 3 positions, and Maryam Al Dhanhani competed in the 70kg judo J1 category.
The strength and determination the UAE Paralympic team showed in Paris — especially Al-Zeyoudi and Khamis Khalaf, who came within centimetres and kilograms of medals — leaves a lasting impression and a strong foundation for Los Angeles 2028.
