Marathon world record-holder Paula Radcliffe visits Aspire Zone Foundation

Doha, Qatar: Renowned British marathon runner Paula Radcliffe visited Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) on Wednesday morning and got a closer view of the role AZF’s member organisations – Aspire Academy, Aspetar, and Aspire Logistics –play in transforming Qatar into an international sports hub. 

The long-distance runner went on a tour at Aspire Academy, AZF member organisation, where she had the chance to witness the Academy’s philosophy and its world-class services and facilities aimed at nurturing talented student-athletes.

Radcliffe’s next stop was at Aspetar, the orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital and AZF member organisation where she was impressed by their state-of-the-art rehabilitation services and was welcomed by Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi, Chief Administrative Officer at Aspetar.

Towards the end of her visit, Radcliffe visited Khalifa International Stadium, the first stadium ready to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, where she was welcomed by Hassan Ali Al Mansoori, Head of Khalifa International Stadium.

The marathon runner expressed her admiration for the venue and Aspire’s world-class facilities, saying: “I look forward to the upcoming IAAF World Athletics Championships in September. I can just imagine how fantastic the atmosphere will be at Khalifa International Stadium during the tournament.

"I’m amazed at the quality and breadth of the services offered by Aspire in developing world-class athletes. It was a great visit indeed,” she added.