At the midpoint of the 2025 Taklimakan Rally, 20-year-old driver Aliyyah Koloc from Seychelles is turning heads with her resilience and passion on the dusty tracks of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Racing with the Buggyra Racing team, she currently sits 11th overall after Stage 5, despite facing mechanical setbacks like a fuel pressure issue along a challenging 287-kilometer desert stretch.
Aliyyah described that stage as one of her favorites: "It was quite fast, and we did have some dune sections, so it was really intense — I had a lot of fun." Even more inspiring was her moment of sportsmanship when she paused mid-race to check on a fellow competitor who had crashed. That act reinforces the belief that racing is not just about speed, but also about looking out for one another. 🚗💨
From a promising tennis career to taking on the world of motorsport after an injury at 15, Aliyyah's journey is all about grit and growth. Inspired by her father, Martin Koloc, a former racer, and supported by her dedicated team engineer, she has overcome challenges to become Buggyra Racing's youngest star. Her experiences on the dunes of Taklimakan are not only a test of skill, but also an ode to the breathtaking vistas of Xinjiang and the heartfelt support from local fans.
With five stages still to go, Aliyyah is determined to climb further up the rankings while soaking in every moment of this epic rally. Her story resonates with anyone who believes in turning obstacles into opportunities and reminds us that sometimes, the true victory is found in the journey itself. 🙌
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Aliyyah Koloc reflects on grit, growth, and Xinjiang's majesty
cgtn.com
