Kirsten Landman helped fellow Dakar rider Mishal Alghuneim during stage 4 of the event after he suffered injuries to both legs in a crash.
Saudi Arabia (09 January 2023) – Kirsten Landman has been called a Dakar Hero for her efforts in helping rider Mishal Alghuneim after he crashed during stage 4. She arrived on the scene of the crash and was able to radio for a helicopter. She insisted on waiting with him until he was safely loaded into the helicopter.
Kirsten, who has found this year’s Dakar incredibly tough, has been a shining light for South Africans. The history-making rider has brought the spirit of Ubuntu to the race this year.
Mishal Alghuneim and Kirsten were riding around what they called a “sand bowl” when Mishal was taken by surprise by another smaller bowl. The shock of the bike hitting the bowl went straight up into his legs. He could feel both his ankles shatter with the force of the shock. Once he got himself seated on the sand, he realised that one ankle was not broken, just very hurt while the other definitely felt broken to him. Kirsten being so close by stopped and called for a helicopter to assist.
The Dakar highlighted her good deed in a hero segment which you can watch below. Kirsten is currently preparing for stage 9 which will take place after a rest day.
Kirsten Landman is a professional offroad and hard-enduro rider from Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. She has been riding since the age of 8 and launched her professional career at the age of 22.
What started as just fun with her family, turned into Kirsten making history and a name for herself worldwide in the hard enduro racing scene! Competing in major international events, the talented rider became the first female to finish races such as Redbull Romaniacs, Redbull Sea to Sky, Redbull Megawatt 111, Redbull Braveman and the Roof of Africa.
She made her Dakar debut in 2020 and went on to become the first African woman to complete the Dakar in Saudi Arabia.
You can find out which other South Africans are competing at the event this year, here.
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