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Dania Akeel and Mashael al-Obaidan make history for Saudi Arabia at the Dakar Rally

Dania Akeel and Mashael al-Obaidan reflect on competing in one of the most gruelling car rally races in the world and making history.

Saudi Arabian women competed in the Dakar Rally for the first time in 2022, with Dania Akeel and Mashael al-Obaidan completing the race earlier this month. They join us to reflect on making history and discuss how competing in one of the world’s most gruelling automobile rally races has changed them. They also give their thoughts on whether they see themselves as inspirational figures for women in their country.

Shanwayne Stephens tells us about helping Jamaica qualify a four-man bobsleigh team for a first Winter Olympics in 24 years. Stephens is the team’s pilot and discusses his hopes for the Beijing Games, what he makes of his team being compared to the 1988 team, which inspired the film Cool Runnings and who would play him in the movie if they made a sequel.

Vegan endurance runner Robbie Balenger joins us to discuss pushing his body to its limits while maintaining a plant-based diet, his spiritual connection to running and to reflect on some of the challenges he has completed. Balenger holds the record for most finished laps around Central Park and has previously completed a transcontinental run across America, averaging 43 miles per day across the 75 day run.

And we are live at the Australian Open tennis and at Goodison Park ahead of Everton’s first game since they sacked manager Rafa Benitez.

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49 minutes

Broadcast

  • Sat 22 Jan 2022 10:06GMT

Podcast