WINS Lebanon
Christel Saneh
Christel is a Lebanese long jumper whose love for sports has defined her remarkable journey. From her early days in athletics breaking national records on the track, she has consistently demonstrated both talent and resilience. Beyond her athletic achievements, Christel has left an impact off the field through building platforms to highlight sport through media, photography, and storytelling.
What inspired you to start your sports journey?
I’d say I have two separate sports journeys that are linked: the athlete and the media/creative person.
My journey as an athlete began at my school, Champville, where the first Lebanese woman to compete at the Olympic Games was teaching. Arda Kalpaklian, a 400m, 800m, and 1500m runner who competed in the 1972 Munich Games, was the one who spotted my talent for jumping but steered me toward basketball, as she believed that at age 7, individual sports were not the best option. I only discovered the reason for this years later. Naturally, I eventually switched back to track and field while still playing basketball at school. But when I started breaking records, I realized that I have something special in this sport and that I needed to prioritize it, and that’s exactly what happened.
As for my second journey, it didn’t take long for me to develop an interest in media. At 16, I traveled to an Arab Championship, and I met a photographer in Jordan who inspired me to start something in Lebanon. He had taken photos of our team, and for the first time we had proper imagery in this sport. When I returned, I launched a website that focused not only on news but also on statistics and history, and this opened so many doors for me in the future.
What sports achievement are you most proud of so far?
As an athlete, I’ve never really thought about which single moment I’m most proud of, because I still feel I have so much left to achieve. Looking back, I would say the proudest moments were every time I heard the national anthem at regional championships, especially at the West Asian Championships. Beyond those moments, however, one thing I’m particularly proud of is my consistency. It’s rare to find an athlete who not only broke a U12 record but also went on to hold the national record in an event, continually improving it over the years. Now, at 31, I can confidently say I’m in the best shape of my life. This year, I recorded the second-best jump ever in my career, and that is something I’m truly proud of.
What advice would you give to young girls who want to pursue your sport seriously?
Have fun. That’s it; it really is that simple. Many athletes only come to understand this much later. Enjoying what you do is liberating in so many ways. At the end of the day, remember that it’s just a game. Another important piece of advice: your work or performance does not define who you are. What truly matters most is the kind of person you are.
What’s one small change that could make a big difference for women athletes in Lebanon?
I am someone who left the country after giving more than 10 years to the sport. I left with almost no appreciation from those within the sport for the volunteering work I had done. Thankfully, a few athletes recognized my efforts along the way, but they were very few. This has left me somewhat disappointed with the situation, as it often feels like people fight you the most when you’re doing a great job. I know these challenges aren’t small, but I believe that when the mentality of those working in sports changes, we can begin to make an impact. Unfortunately, once you understand how the system works, you realize just how big the obstacles truly are. Still, I believe in the power of small initiatives. I see education as a priority, along with inspiring a new generation that genuinely wants to make a difference and work together to achieve it.
Where would you like to see women’s sport in Lebanon in the future (10-20 years down the line)?
I believe women’s sport in Lebanon is significant and has always been strong in terms of achievements. If you look at the gender balance at the Olympics or other major events, especially in individual sports, you’ll see that women have a strong presence. However, this does not mean they receive proper support. Looking ahead, I would like to see women in Lebanon able to become professional athletes within the next 10–20 years—to make a living by pursuing sports. Let’s start there.
How has your journey in athletics helped shape the way you approach your career?