Following the victory, Mashail trained intensively six days a week, balancing her preparation alongside an administrative role at a sports organisation.
“My daily routine was demanding: I trained early in the morning, went to work, and returned to training again in the afternoon until the evening.”
Soon after, the second women’s championship was announced, this time in the outdoor format. Once again, her dedication paid off as she secured another gold medal, earning selection to represent Saudi Arabia on the international stage.
Her international journey was set to begin at the Arab Women’s Clubs Championship in the UAE when her momentum was abruptly interrupted by devastating news: a diagnosis of thyroid cancer. More than the surgery itself, what troubled her most was the possibility of missing the chance to represent her country abroad.
Determined not to let the diagnosis define her future, Mashail returned to the training field with a single focus: to earn the right to compete before surgery.
“From the moment I stepped onto the field, archery helped me disconnect from all negative thoughts,” she says.
The effort paid off. She won a bronze medal in the team event, returning home with both a podium finish and renewed belief.
Just seven days after undergoing surgery, Mashail returned to the archery field. Six months later, she faced another challenge in the form of radioactive iodine treatment, which disrupted her preparation ahead of a local women’s championship.
“Even during radioactive iodine treatment, I chose to compete.”
Despite the physical toll, she finished fourth overall, recording the highest score of the tournament.
