04 May 2016
Doha, 4 May 2016. This Friday, 6 May, nine reigning world outdoor champions are set to descend on Doha along with some of the world’s biggest athletics stars for the opening meeting of the IAAF Diamond League. The IAAF meetings in the Qatari capital have long attracted the world’s elite athletes and this year is no different with 38 champions and 80 medalists from past Olympic Games and IAAF World Championships, indoors and outdoors, expected to hit the track at Qatar Sports Club on Friday evening.
Under the motto “Aspiring Greatness”, the Diamond League, the Qatar Athletics Federation and Aspire Academy welcomed Michelle Carter, US shot putter and 2016 World Champion, David Oliver, US hurdler and 2013 World Champion, and Derek Drouin, Canadian high jumper and 2015 World Champion on stage of the Academy’s auditorium to share their experiences with Academy Academy management, coaches of Aspire Academy and QAF and 45 students athletes, who dream of one day competing in high profile events such as the IAAF Diamond League.
Having all achieved great success in their careers, they all emphasized the importance of patience and the ability to deal with disappointment, both of which need to be developed along with athletic ability. “I finished second and third for a long time, but I did not quit. You have to be patient and work hard and some day it will pay off”, said Michelle Carter reflecting on her gold medal in Portland in 2016.
There were many things the student athletes and their coaches wanted to know from the visiting athletes. Asked about what qualities are required to be a successful world-class hurdler, David Oliver said: “You have to take risks in any event in order to be successful. You have to be aggressive and accept that you will fall a lot.” Being asked about the most significant person in her career, Michelle Carter chose her father, a former NFL player and silver medalist in the 1984 Olympics in shot put. “He is also my coach and having him behind me really helps me a lot. He always sees my potential and keeps pushing me to be the best. Sometimes they might hurt your feelings, but these people will help you to become better athletes.”
After the panel discussion, Carter, Oliver and Drouin were joined on stage by fellow Diamond League stars Asbel Kiprop, a Kenyan middle-distance runner and Olympic champion, and Belgian discus thrower Philip Milanov. Markus Egger, Director of Sports, Prof. Tim Cable, Director of Sport Science and Jassem Al-Japer, School Principal, thanked the guests on behalf of Aspire Academy and before the athletes and student athletes went to Aspire Dome for a one-hour-long clinic, they all had they chance to take pictures with the official Diamond League trophy.