The final showdown

Dubai: When Shaikha Maitha Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum steps out onto the Beijing taekwondo mats it will be the culmination of two years hard work.

Her journey to the Games, which start on Friday, began in earnest with a silver medal at the Doha Asian Games in 2006.

"Whether you win or lose, it's always what you do the next day that counts," said Shaikha Maitha, thinking back to that second place.

"I have that day so clear in my mind. My father was there to receive me at the airport and it was such a feeling of fulfilment, not just for me, but for my country."

But that second place was not enough for her and that day she set her sights firmly on the international stage and the Beijing Olympics.

Since then, she has been relentlessly pursuing her dream of winning Olympic gold for the UAE.

The last two years have been devoted to these Games with overseas training camps, international competitions and top teams from other countries coming to Dubai to train with her.

The time has been spent in relentless preparation for a competition that will last just a few hours in total.

Dream began

"Though the dream actually started when I took up this sport, it is being fulfilled piece by piece each day since that time," she said.

Since the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, Shaikha Maitha has been tough on herself.

Sometimes she has set herself unrealistic goals knowing that she may not be able to achieve.

"But it is better to go after your goals than set modest targets and be left with a sense of dissatisfaction."

The goal this time around is Olympic gold.

And she has worked as hard as she could to make it to the top step of the podium.

"We are running out of time. It's a mad rush to the Olympics and everyone is hungry to win those medals.

Wanting to win

"Everyone who is going to compete in Beijing is coming there to win, and I am no exception.

"I feel it is my duty and my responsibility to go there and represent my country.

"I have a challenge before me and all I can do is to strive and be true to myself and give more than 100 per cent."

With her, helping her toward winning the gold in the under 67kg category, have been the same handful of people who she relies on to guide her.

She has her coaches Moe'ena Jadeed, Ziad Hammad and Sameer Juma along with training partners from the national squad.

Shaikha Maitha said these were her best friends but also her most severe critics.

"My technical staff is honest with me. They ensure I am kept grounded. If it is wrong then I am told about it at once.

"It is an honest criticism, and I realise that it is better that way to help me," said Shaikha Maitha, who will carry the UAE flag in the opening ceremony.