Sporting students in Qatar have been given a golden touch to a training session with world champions visiting Doha College to offer advice and inspire the next generation of athletes in Doha.

The highly decorated team of former athletes who have collectively won nine World Championships medals, led a specialist coaching session for aspiring students with long-jump World Record holder Mike Powell helping youngsters to recreate his record leap of 8.95metres.

The two-time World Championships gold medalist was joined by double-gold medalist Ashton Eaton, former high jump world champion Stefan Holm and heptathlon double-silver medalist Brianne Theisen- Eaton.

The four stars are visiting Qatar in ambassadorial roles for the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019, where they are taking in the local culture and supporting the Championships which will see 24 more finals take place in the remaining four days of the competition.

Offering advice on technique, training methods and long term goals and vision, the athletes met pupils from both the primary and secondary school of Doha College, with Mike Powell commenting: "I coach college kids and I love it because these kids have dreams and they're trusting me to help them accomplish their goals, so they're making me part of their dream. I know how much my coaches affected me and how much I love them for what they helped me do. It great to be here and help give back the things that were given to me.

"I hope the kids here today can go home and tell their parents they've had fun. That's the main thing but also that they want to work hard, but I hope they can go away and believe in themselves. Anything is possible."

Tabatha aged 16 at Doha College took part in the coaching clinic, adding: "It was really exciting to see the athletes in school, where we come everyday. They gave us great advice such as how to deal with pressure and stress in sport. Having athletes from across the world here at Khalifa Stadium is great. I've seen the stadium grow and its amazing to have the competition here."

Source: QNA
Courtesy Cover: IAAF World Athletics Champs

Follow us on our social media channels: @ILQlive @ILQlive @ILoveQtr ILoveQatar

Arvin Garcia

Content Writer

Start a discussion