YOUTH OLYMPICS MY STEPPING STONE TO TOKYO 2020

The first young Jordanian to book her place at the Youth Olympics this summer has vowed to carry on her journey to the top by qualifying all the way to Tokyo 2020.
Horse jumper, Sara Al Armouti, will be taking part in Buenos Aires this summer, clinching her place after an exhaustive qualifying campaign.
But the ambitious 18-year-old says that her place in the global spotlight this summer will just be the start of her Olympic dream as she bids to make it all the way to the Far East in two years.
“I’m so happy to have qualified,” said Armouti. “It is always such an honour to represent Jordan, but it will be extra special to do it at an event that will welcome all the best youth athletes in the world.
“It came after months and months of hard training and competition in the 130cm category in both Amman and abroad. I’m so thankful that I qualified.”
Of course, to succeed in the equestrian world requires the back-up of an experienced and talented team, and Armouti is quick to point out the role that her family has played.
“My family played a significant role in my qualification,” she said. “My father is my coach and he was the best supporter for me throughout my qualification. I wouldn’t be who I am today with my family. I'm so blessed to be with them and have their support.”
But the youngster says her best is yet to come and is determined to carry her form through to full Olympics qualification.
“Right now I need to focus on Buenos Aires, and I will work hard not only to represent my country in the best way, but also to improve my chances of qualifying through to Tokyo 2020,” she said.
She may be the first to qualify for the Youth Olympics, but she is confident of not being the only one and has a message of support to her fellow Jordanians.
“I am proud to be the first but I will more proud to be joined by my colleagues, and I wish them all well in trying to qualify.”