A severe accident marred Egypt’s Women’s Cycling Championship, resulting in significant injuries for young cyclist Jana Aliwa after a collision with fellow national team member Shahd Said. This unfortunate event took place during the crucial final meters of the race last Saturday evening.

Collision Details and Immediate Aftermath

The incident unfolded as Shahd Said, a known sprint specialist, allegedly veered from one side of the track to the other, ultimately colliding with Jana Aliwa.

The impact was severe enough to cause Aliwa to suffer a shoulder fracture, temporary memory loss due to a concussion, rib fractures, and various bruises.

Immediate medical attention was required, but the lack of on-site medical facilities and ambulance services has raised serious concerns about the preparedness and safety measures at the event.

Legal and Family Reactions

In response to the incident, Habiba Aliwa, Jana’s elder sister, has filed official complaints with the Attorney General and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, accusing Shahd Said of deliberate harm. This has led to an investigation with Said being briefly detained before being released pending further inquiries.

In her statement, Habiba stated:

“She hit my sister intentionally in the last meters. It’s not just a race incident; it’s something more serious.”

Additionally, the lack of immediate medical assistance was noted, with Habiba Aliwa stating:

“There was no ambulance or medic at the scene immediately after the accident.”

Shahd Said’s response

Shahd Said has publicly denied these allegations via an Instagram story, defending her actions during the race and suggesting that the collision was accidental and a result of physical exertion and loss of balance, a common occurrence in competitive cycling.

“I would never harm anyone on purpose. It’s a competitive sport, and things can happen in the heat of the moment. I am deeply sorry about what happened to Jana.”

Public and Institutional Response

The cycling community and spectators have expressed mixed reactions. Some defend Shahd Said, highlighting the physical demands of the sport that often lead to accidents. Others criticize the apparent lack of concern for Jana Aliwa post-accident and question the integrity of the competition and its safety protocols.

The Egyptian Cycling Federation, led by Wagih Azzam, has acknowledged the incident and stated that an investigation is underway. Azzam emphasized that while contact is common in competitive cycling, deliberate harm is not acceptable, and the federation is committed to ensuring the safety and fairness of the sport.

Looking Ahead

This incident has not only highlighted the physical risks associated with competitive cycling but also brought to light broader issues of safety standards, emergency preparedness, and ethical conduct within the sport. The outcomes of the ongoing investigation and the public’s call for justice and better safety measures will be crucial in shaping the future of cycling competitions in Egypt.

This tragic event underscores the need for stringent safety protocols and fair play in sports, reminding everyone involved—from athletes to organizers—of their responsibilities towards each other’s well-being and the integrity of the sport.