George
Qadado
Richmond, Virginia. First-generation Palestinian American. The first Palestinian track cyclist in world history, formally announcing my bid for the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
“Endurance is in my DNA.
Palestine will be at LA 2028.”The first Palestinian track cyclist in world history. Top 300 UCI Endurance ranked — in one calendar year. Now building the team to go the distance.
This is not about me.
My legs carry something far greater than personal ambition. They carry names. They carry a people who have been told — for generations — that their dreams don't belong on the world stage. I am here to prove otherwise.
“We do not need your pity. We need our place.”
I am the first track cyclist in world history to officially represent Palestine. And today, I am formally announcing my intention to compete at the LA 2028 Olympic Games — under the Palestinian flag.
Palestinian athletes are not just footballers and fighters. We are swimmers. Runners. Rock climbers. Weightlifters. Cyclists. Palestinian athletic talent runs deeper than the world has been allowed to see.
I join my counterparts, the Gaza Sunbirds — Palestine's para-road cycling team — who inspire me daily to match their conviction. Together, we are the only cyclists representing Palestine. I am the sole able-bodied rider who can match their efforts — and I absolutely do.
Purpose
Succeed at key events between now and LA2028 and ultimately deliver Palestine to strong success at the Summer Olympic Games.
Resilience
Endurance is in our DNA. We have survived everything — and we are still competing.
Declaration
This is not a wish. It is a declaration. Palestine will be represented in track cycling at LA2028.
Including 421 footballers. Coaches. Referees. Scouts. Children. 273 sports facilities bombed, burned, or bulldozed.
The Climb
A 10-year-old bicycle. Equipment 15-30 years old. Every dollar from my own pocket. No federation. No sponsors. No support — yet. Imagine what is possible with a village of support behind me.
Early Life
Born & raised in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington D.C. to two parents from Nazareth, Palestine.
Beginning of Activism
Began college at Purdue University. Became educated & more involved with activism & the Palestinian cause, joining the Purdue Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter.
Transition into Racing
Moved to Richmond, Virginia to further my studies at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Took a light hobby in cycling to the next level in a city with a thriving cycling culture. Came into my own with cycling 'completely backwards' — as a bike messenger turned road criterium racer.
Discovering the Passion
Began track cycling in 2018, immediately falling in love with the discipline and focusing on track cycling as my primary hobby going forward.
Conflict & Connections
I discovered and connected with the Gaza Sunbirds in 2023, and became immediately inspired by their journey and passions, which reflected my own. No longer did I feel alone as a cyclist of Palestinian heritage. I became a vocal and outspoken proponent for the Athletes for Palestine campaign — bringing visibility to the conflict in Gaza and the sporticide of Palestinian athletics — the cause meshing and aligning with my own, deserving the full weight of my being and identity.
Stepping Up, Up & Beyond
In 2025 I began racing international top-level UCI Elite races on the track, making several trips to the Caribbean to hard-fought successes. Ever driven, focused, and purposeful — I raced hard as an American rider and began a lengthy and bureaucratic, but ultimately successful process to formally become the first Pro Palestinian track cyclist in the world.
Identity & Purpose Aligned
I have already begun the 2026 race season with strong results in UCI Class II events, with multiple omniums planned for the year. The impossible was accomplished - finalizing my presence as a Palestinian track cyclist, and climbing to the top 300 ranked UCI track endurance cyclists in the world, an achievement I am incredibly proud of - but - this is only the beginning.
Asian Games Tokyo
The 2026 Asian Games, set to take place in Tokyo later this year, is my next major target race — an event second only to the Olympics itself.
LA Olympic Games
The ultimate goal: compete at the LA 2028 Olympics under the Palestinian flag — making my mark on world history. I will match the conviction, heritage & legacy of Palestinians whom have ever competed at the Olympic games. Palestine has only been a participant in the Olympics since 1996. With over 800 Palestinian athletes killed since October 7th, the fight lies with just a handful of athletes from a wide array of sports, from both Palestine, and others like myself — descended in the diaspora — to raise the flag and give ourselves completely to the cause of our people.
“Imagine what is possible with a village of support behind me.”
Achievements
Every milestone achieved without federation support, without sponsors, and on equipment that professionals would consider obsolete.
I am a solid investment to consider to elevate Palestinian athletics. In under two years, on a 10-year old bicycle and 15+ year old equipment, out of my own pocket I have been able to accomplish:
- 2024:Rock Hill Velodrome Endurance League Champion
- 2025:Risen from zero to top 350 ranking on the UCI leaderboard across 3 UCI track omniums
- 2026:8th place Omnium at Easter International Grand Prix, UCI Class II. Risen to top 250 world ranking
My Counterparts on the UCI Circuit
Palestine's para-road cycling team. Amputees. UCI-ranked. Competing across three countries with no training centre and no homeland to return to. I am the only able-bodied Palestinian cyclist on the UCI circuit. They are my counterparts. My conscience.
“If they can do that — I owe it to them to do this.”
Support the Mission
$50,000 campaign goal over 2 years. Every contribution brings Palestine one step closer to LA 2028. Self-funded until now — but to reach the Olympics, I need a team behind me.
Fundraiser live & available on GoFundMe currently, with future campaigns in progress.
Palestine Will Be at LA 2028
This is not a wish. It is a declaration. With your support, the first Palestinian track cyclist in world history will compete at the Olympic Games. Be part of making history.
Become a Sponsor