BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi's reputation as a world-class sporting destination soared to new heights over the weekend as hosts of the Second EEIPC World Skydiving Championships, held at CLYMB Yas Island.
Organised in collaboration with the Emirates Aerosports Federation (EAF) and the European Aeronautic Sports Association (EASA), the competition across five categories brought together more than 250 elite athletes from over 30 countries, marking one of the most diverse international line-ups in the championship's history.
For the first time, athletes representing the UAE competed alongside the world's leading indoor skydivers, underscoring the UAE's growing presence in emerging and high-adrenaline sports.
Among those proudly representing the UAE were Cornelia Mihai and Alberto Avalis, seasoned athletes who shared their experience and what it meant to be part of the national team at such a prestigious global event.
"My journey began out of curiosity," Cornelia Mihai, representing the UAE team, told Aletihad. "I was drawn to indoor skydiving because it combines physical control, mental focus, and precision in a unique way. What really hooked me was how technical the sport is; every movement matters."
Mihai said that representing the UAE on the global stage is "a huge honour," especially in a sport still emerging in the region. "It shows that the UAE is open to new disciplines and committed to developing talent across all sports. I am proud to help inspire others to explore new opportunities."
Facilities like CLYMB have played a vital role in "access to consistent, safe, international-standard infrastructure bridges the gap between local training and global competition," Mihai said.
Fellow teammate Alberto Avalis echoed this. "From providing access to facilities and competitions to offering development pathways, their support has been essential. It helps us focus on performance and growth. It also sends a strong message that emerging sports are valued and supported in the UAE," Avalis said.
Both athletes acknowledged the pivotal role of national federations and sports bodies in helping them reach this level. However, the path to the championship was not easy.
"Maintaining consistency, physically and mentally, was one of the biggest challenges," Mihai shared, "I overcame it by setting goals, staying disciplined, and committing to training even when progress felt slow."
Both athletes encourage young Emiratis to try indoor skydiving. "Do not be afraid to try something new. The UAE offers amazing support for athletes, even in unconventional sports. You never know where that first step might lead," Avalis said.
Meanwhile, on the roll of honour, teams from Russia won the International Skydiving 16-Way Double Event as well as the 8-Way Event – both Indoor Formation – following fiercely contested multi-round competitions.
The Aerial Indoor Racing World Championships saw Mexico's Sebastian Garcia capturing the Pursuit title, the American pair of Landon Karaberis and James Rogers winning the Relay event, and Garcia also securing the overall Race crown.
Two disciplines made their world debut, with "SIBERRIES" from Russia winning the inaugural all-female 4-Way Battle Event, and a team from the United States was crowned as the first-ever International Vertical Sequentials 8-Way World Champions.
Competitors from countries such as Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the US took part.