Noor Slaoui Enjoys Downtime in Paris After Historic Olympic Feat

Noor Slaoui is taking some well-deserved downtime with friends and family in Paris after making history for Morocco by becoming the first athlete from the Middle East or North Africa to compete in Olympic eventing.

Reflecting on her experience, Slaoui expressed her joy and sense of accomplishment:

“It was a dream come true. It’s been an amazing experience. I already have post-Olympic withdrawal symptoms. Representing the MENA region is really big for me.”

Raised in a supportive family that encouraged her to pursue her dreams, Slaoui’s equestrian journey began at a young age. She now competes from her stables in England, having fallen in love with eventing while at university there. Despite her international base, it is her Moroccan roots that have shaped her into the rider she is today.

Eventing, a demanding equestrian discipline that includes dressage, cross-country, and show jumping, has seen many athletes from the MENA region, but Slaoui is the first to represent in this event in 112 years. Her partnership with her horse, Cash in Hand, is built on trust and rigorous training.

“We take the horses everywhere in Morocco, in quite remote areas, and that’s where my love of the animal just grew and started,” Slaoui said. “You had to trust that the horse would know where to put its feet, and you had to become one with it.”

A significant inspiration in Slaoui’s life and career is her mother, Amina. Despite a severe accident at age 32 that left her in a wheelchair, Amina has made remarkable contributions to society. She founded a charity for disabled people in Morocco, which includes two rehab centers and schools for disadvantaged and disabled children. “Growing up in that environment has been a huge inspiration. Even when I was getting eliminated every time, my mom was like, ‘You’re going to go to the Olympics,’ so I didn’t have a choice but to believe in myself too,” Slaoui shared.

Noor Slaoui’s journey to the Olympics was not without challenges. She competed despite undergoing surgery for a broken collarbone just weeks before the games. Her determination and resilience have set the stage for what could be an even more impactful performance at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.