Alia Komsany, Ph.D: Breaking Barriers for Muslim Women in Rowing, interviewed by Sadia Moumita

Rowing in Color

#051 - Alia Komsany Ph.D is interviewed by Sadia Moumita. Rowing in Color host, Patricia Destine, chats with them to share Alia’s story.

In this episode, we talked about:

• How Alia got into the sport [3:04]
• When Alia felt like she didn’t belong in the sport [4:36]
• The depth of Alia’s commitment to rowing, which is balanced with cancer research [8:00]
• Changing the narrative regarding stereotypical thinking with girls’ women’s participation in sport [12:07]
• What Alia’s visibility meant for Sadia [16:08]
• Alia’s message for girls wearing hijabs & how wearing a hijab has shaped how she is as an athlete [16:36]
• Alia’s long term goals in rowing [23:13]
• Talking about barriers to rowing [24:48]
• The push for women in sports in Saudi Arabia [26:22]
• How Sadia got into rowing [29:04]
• Advice for getting parents on board with rowing [33:20]
• Advice for coaches to build an inclusive environment for Muslim rowers [37:26]

… and much more.
To get in touch with Alia Komsany, please find her on Instagram at @aliakomsany

We hope that the conversation in this podcast helps us all in the rowing world -- no matter your race -- to unify the rowing sport through diversity.
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