The Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) has announced the six-member Qatar contingent that will be participating in the track and field events at the Paris Olympics. Alongside the five athletes who had previously qualified for the Games, female sprinter Shahad Mohammed has been granted a wild card entry to join Team Qatar.
Leading the roster is Mutaz Barshim, the reigning Olympic high jump champion and Qatar’s top medal prospect at the Paris Games. Barshim, who has an impressive record at the Olympics, won a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by clearing a height of 2.37 meters. He also has two silver medals from the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games.
Aboubakar Haydar Abdallah, who will participate in the 800-meter event, is making his third Olympic appearance after showcasing remarkable performances at the Tokyo and Rio Games. Abdallah expressed his pride and honor in representing Qatar at the Olympics and his ambition to set a new personal record for himself.
The team also includes Asian Champion Abdalrahman Samba, two-time Asian Games gold winner Bassem Hameida, and Ismail Dawoud, who will compete in the 400-meter hurdles. Samba, Hameida, and Dawoud are set to showcase Qatar’s strength in the one-lap event at the Paris Olympics.
For the only female athlete in the team, Shahad Mohammed, participating in the 100-meter event at the Olympics marks her debut. Mohammed, whose personal best is 12.79 secs, will be aiming to give her best performance in the 100-meter event, although her pet event is the 400-meter dash.
The athletes shared their excitement and ambitions for the Paris 2024 Olympics, with Abdalrahman Samba expressing his high ambition to achieve better results. Bassem Hameida highlighted the significance of representing Qatar at the Olympics and competing against the best athletes in the world.
Overall, the Qatar contingent is set to compete in the track and field events at the Paris Olympics with high hopes and aspirations of delivering impressive performances and making their country proud on the global stage. The athletes are determined to push their limits and aim for success at the prestigious sporting event.