Aspire Academy recently hosted an Invitational Sprint Indoor Meeting at their indoor athletics track, where Kendry Fuentes, a talented athlete trained at Aspire, made history with his impressive performance. Fuentes ran the 60m indoor hurdles heat in just 7.48 seconds, marking the third fastest time ever recorded by an under-20 men in this event. This achievement is set to be recognised by World Athletics, highlighting the significance of this event in the athletics world.
The meeting brought together a variety of athletes, including Aspire’s student-athletes, local Qatari club sprinters, and members of the Abu Dhabi Athletics Club. Competitions featured events such as the 60m and 60m hurdles for various age groups, providing a competitive environment for all participants. This event is a crucial part of Aspire Academy’s athletics programme, allowing athletes to showcase their talents and be acknowledged on a global level by World Athletics.
Hamdi Mhirsi, Sprint Coach at Aspire Academy, organised the event with the aim of helping athletes prepare for major upcoming competitions, including the World Indoor and Outdoor Championships. The event aligns with the long-term vision of both Aspire Academy and Qatar to achieve success at the 2030 Asian Games. Aspire Academy-trained athlete Oumar Doudai Abakar, who is ranked as the 6th fastest under-20 athlete over 110m hurdles outdoors, also participated in the event, preparing for his transition to the senior ranks in 2025.
World Athletics officially recognises the times recorded during the competition, ensuring that athletes receive global acknowledgment for their performances. Mohammed Essa M A Al Thawadi, Aspire Academy’s Head of Team Coordinators, emphasised the exceptional standard of organisation for the event, highlighting the effort put into ensuring that World Athletics recognises the times achieved. The event also hosted athletes from outside Qatar, such as those from the Abu Dhabi Athletics Club, showcasing Aspire Academy’s prestigious position regionally and globally.
Khalid Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Athletics Club, commended the event as a valuable experience for their athletes, helping them build confidence and prepare for future competitions. Through participating in events like this, athletes can develop their skills and benefit from the expertise and resources available at Aspire Academy. With the success of this event, Aspire Academy continues to work on developing outstanding young athletic talent locally and providing opportunities for athletes from various regions to showcase their skills on a competitive platform.
