Exclusive Interview: Amna Bani Hashem Emirati Champion Show Jumper

A graduate from UAE’s prestigious Masar Godolphin programme, Amnah Bani Hashem, is competitive show jumper with an Olympic dream.

The trilingual beauty is also a mechanical engineer, a philanthropist, as well as an international advocate for women empowerment and women in STEM. A jack of all trades!

Amna speaks to us about life, passion, and dreams.

Why did you choose this sport?

I feel like I didn't have any choice in the matter. Before show jumping, I used to be involved in all kinds of sports. However, after my first jump, I knew that this was what I was destined to do. The single-minded focus, the tunnel vision, the balance, the poise, the connection with your horse, and then the sense of accomplishment when it all comes together and you get it right, it's incomparable. Once I had tasted that, I knew there was no going back. And the rest, as they say, is history.

The most difficult aspect of this sport? Something you'd like people to know.

For most people, discipline, self-motivation, and commitment are hard, but these things come naturally to me. I feel that the biggest challenge in this kind of sport is finding a reliable sponsor, a supportive team, and well-equipped training facilities. Once you have these on your side, the rest usually just falls into place on its own.

Image Credit: Wassayef Al Marzouqi

How does this sport relate to your culture?

Riding has always been an essential part of the Arabian culture. In my tribe, horses have always been thought of as symbols of pride and bravery. So, whenever I am on horseback, I always feel at home.

Tell us more about your training. How much time do you dedicate?

I believe training is the most important aspect of any athlete's life. For me, it starts at 4 am every day. I do not believe in taking breaks because you miss one day, and you can feel the difference in your game, and that can affect your motivation and confidence. I would happily train for more than four hours, but as a self-sponsored sportswoman, I have to juggle a full-time job with my passion. Yes, it gets a little hectic at times, and you have to make some compromises, but the ultimate goal always keeps me focused and oriented.

Your ultimate goal in show jumping?

I think every sportsperson sees the Olympics podium as their finish line. Showjumping at my current level is just a step towards competing in the biggest league amongst global showjumpers from all over the world.  I hope to become highly qualified and achieve mastery in this sport, and with the right support and sponsorships, the ultimate goal is to represent the UAE amongst the world's best athletes at the Olympic Games. That's a personal ambition, and it would be the best dream come true!

An interesting degree! Why did you go for Mechanical Engineering?

I have always been a science girl. As a young kid, I was curious about how the different parts of the world interacted to make it work the way it does. Hence, mechanical engineering! It's funny how much my degree helps me in my showjumping—It helps me understand forces, achieve a better balance on a horse, and what dynamics influence the trajectory of my jumps in the field. So much of the world is weighted on math and engineering. And once we become conscious of that fact, I think we can physically navigate smarter and more aware.

As a supporter of women, what does being a woman mean to you?

I think all women should explore and achieve their potential. I personally think that being a woman is a beautiful thing. We can be fragile and sensitive yet strong and fierce. As mothers, we are nurturers and caregivers. We are independent thinkers, empowered, and passionate about the causes we pursue. All those women you hear about in the news—breaking corporate ceilings, pushing themselves to the limits and sometimes past, of their physical abilities while tirelessly working on causes like saving kids or the world from fires. All of that and more define what a woman is—passionate, caring, and breaking any barriers for love and humanity. Getting a chance to represent my gender in sports, especially in showjumping, gives me great joy. There are many myths attached to women riding horses. My career helps me break all of them, and I'm proud of that fact!

Image Credit: Ammar Alkas

The best way to show support to women?

I think the only way to support any cause in the world is to become the agent of change yourself. When it comes to supporting my gender, I strive to become the inspiration. I want other women to learn from my mistakes to do better, get motivated from my hard work, and know that anything is possible once you put your mind to it. To become the best version of yourself is to stay humble and kind to others. I want my female supporters to actualize their potential by watching me reach mine.

Your advice to young women?

My advice to young women is to not get influenced by the media and always remember their values. Always believe in yourself. Never listen to people who are trying to bring you down— consider them white noise in the background and just keep pushing yourself until you reach your ultimate goals and dreams.