Aspire Academy graduate Hemeida to fulfill 400m hurdles dream in Paris 2024
PARIS: Bassem Hemeida will become the fifth Aspire Academy graduate to compete at the Olympics since the academy opened its doors in 2004 when he settles down on the start line for the heats of the 400 metre hurdles in Paris tomorrow.
The 24-year-old says that moment will be the culmination of his hard work and dedication and the fulfilment of an ambition.
He is one of three Aspire Academy graduates who will represent Qatar at the 2024 Olympics in Paris alongside high jumper Mutaz Barshim and 800m runner Abubaker Abdulla Haydar.
Barshim, the reigning Olympic champion, will be participating in his fourth Olympics after making his debut at London 2012, while Abubaker Abdulla Haydar is attending his third Games.
The trio all began their development at Aspire Academy before continuing their careers as part of the Qatar Athletics Federation’s teams at international competitions.
Hemeida qualified for Paris by not only being crowned Asian champion in Thailand in 2023 but also running an Olympic qualifying time of 48.64 seconds.
