25 Sep 2016
Doha, 25 September 2016. On Sunday morning Aspire Academy graduate Mutaz Essa Barshim, who won silver in the high jump event of the 2016 Olympics, visited the Academy to speak to the student-athletes about his recent achievements in Rio.
“It is important for me to be here today, because this place is very special to me and it would not have been that successful without the teachers, coaches and my family here at Aspire,” said the 25-year-old Qatari in front of 300 people in the Academy’s auditorium. He also gave the students a piece of advice on the way. “This is an excellent place to be and I urge you to make the most of such a privilege. Keep listening to your teachers and coaches, follow their advice, guidance and instruction. Don’t settle for less, because if you work hard you can be whatever you want to be.”
He told them that it is important to overcome challenges and that setbacks are part of an athlete’s life. “There will always be disappointments, but that’s part of the journey and you have to learn to take it as you go along. Don’t dwell on bad results for too long, but move on and be ready for the next competition. Failure is actually a good tool that helps you getting better if you try to learn the right lessons from it.”