Last week, Breitling Middle East hosted an exclusive evening with Dr. Dina Al-Tayeb, the first Saudi Arabian to complete an Ironman distance race in 2005 and the first Arab female to qualify and complete the World Championship Ironman race in Hawaii. The event took place at Breitling’s boutique in Roshana Mall, Jeddah with around 20 guests from the Saudi triathlon community.
A successful periodontist, triathlete and mother of three, Al-Tayeb is an inspiration for women who want to follow their dreams. As part of the evening, Al-Tayeb talked about her personal journey into the world of triathlons and the challenges she faced along the way. She discussed the benefits and rewards of training and leading a healthy lifestyle as well as shared tips on how to stay fit and healthy during the summer months.
Al-Tayeb believes in the power of women supporting women. Her motivation to pursue triathlons came from her mother who was an active runner and inspired her to chase her dreams. As a board member of the newly formed Saudi Arabia Triathlon Federation, Al-Tayeb is focused on strengthening the triathlon community and supporting triathletes across the region in achieving their goals.
Al-Tayeb’s partnership with Breitling stems from the brand’s long-term collaboration with Ironman Triathlon, for which Breitling is the official timekeeper and sponsor. As part of their collaboration, Breitling and Ironman have co-designed the Endurance Pro Ironman watches, a special series of Breitling’s ultimate athleisure watch. The result is a set of perfectly lightweight and lighthearted luxury sports watches combining high precision, innovative technology and vibrant, colorful design.
Al-Tayeb concluded her talk by showing the audience her own Endurance Pro Ironman watch, which she considers her “training partner” and the perfect companion for busy, active individuals.
All three members of Breitling’s Triathlon Squad have distinguished themselves in Ironman Triathlon events around the world. German triathlete Jan Frodeno is not only a 2008 Olympic gold medalist, but also a three-time Ironman World Champion and a two-time Ironman 70.3 World Champion. In 2019, Frodeno recorded a best overall course time at the Ironman World Championship, winning in 7:51:13.
Daniela Ryf, a native of Breitling’s home country of Switzerland, is a five-time Ironman 70.3 World Champion and four-time Ironman World Champion.
The third squad member is Chris “Macca” McCormack from Australia, who has claimed two Ironman World Championship titles — in 2007 and again in 2010. He also won the 2012 ITU Long Distance World Championships.
