CMU-Q alum Nada Arakji set to compete at her second Olympic games

Nada Arakji, an alumna from Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, has arrived in Rio for her second Olympic Games. Arakji was the first woman to represent Qatar in the Olympics when she competed as a swimmer at the London Games in 2012. She will compete in the 100M butterfly event in Rio.

“I am so excited to be representing my country, Qatar, once again in Rio. This time I feel more experienced, so my goal is to get a personal best time,” said Arakji.

One of 38 athletes who will represent Qatar in Rio, Arakji is the only Qatari woman to compete in two Olympic Games.

CMU-Q’s dean and CEO, Ilker Baybars, remarked: “The entire Carnegie Mellon Qatar community will be cheering on Nada. At CMU-Q, we are proud to have a group of alumni who are well-rounded, hard-working and determined, and Nada exemplifies these qualities. Best of luck to her and all of Team Qatar in Rio.”

Arakji graduated from CMU-Q’s Business Administration program in May, representing her class as the student speaker. After the Rio Games, she will join the Qatar Olympic Committee team to continue to promote sport within Qatar.