"A Day
in my Life."

ASHRAF AMGAD ELSEIFY

A day in the life of Aspire Academy student-athlete Ashraf: the hammer throw prodigy between training, school and fun. 6.30am, the sun rises over Doha. A new day, new goals, new experiences, new adventures – and another step towards an international track and field career. Ashraf rubs his eyes. As far as he‘s concerned, it‘s just another day at the Aspire Academy: it‘s been his home for three years. Having barely finished showering and cleaning his teeth, his friend and table tennis player Jassim knocks at the door. “Get a move on, I‘m hungry!” It‘s down to the cafeteria in double time. 7am; breakfast and time to fuel up for a long day.

12.15pm, lunch time. “Chicken would be just perfect today,” Ashraf had half joked while lifting dumbbells earlier. Lucky him: chicken is, in fact, on the menu. After lunch the iPad comes out. Jassim turns the corner. “A new record throw on YouTube?” Ashraf shakes his head and grins. “Charts.” Jassim prefers analogue to digital: after lunch he relaxes in the library.

Ashraf makes an enthusiastic start to the second half of the day, which involves more study followed by training. It‘s a good day for the worldclass junior athlete: his favourite lunch is followed by his favourite lesson. “Maths is logical, comprehensible. I enjoy it.” But the fun has to come to an end sooner or later: at about 3.40pm it‘s time to pack the training gear and head to the Aspire Dome, where coach Aleksey is already waiting.

Another day at Aspire Academy draws to a close. The cafeteria empties, some of the student athletes who live on campus chill out in the common room. “A last game of table footie?” Of course: Ashraf demonstrates that hammer throwers have dexterity as well as strength and Jassim is forced to admit a bitter defeat after a battle of pride between the track and field athlete and the racquet sport player. “You‘ll have your chance for revenge tomorrow!” he laughs.

Finish

10.30 PM