Abdalelah Haroun: Qatari Sprint Medalist with African Roots Tragically Dies
- Abdalelah Haroun became a household name in Qatar after he won a bronze medal during the World Athletics Championships
- The young athlete has also previously won a number of medals including two golds during the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta
- Haroun, a Sudanese by birth was recruited at a young age and gained eligibility to represent Qatar in February 2015
The world of athletics has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of Abdalelah Haroun, a Qatari sprint medalist, who passed on aged just 24.
Source: Getty Images
Haroun's death was confirmed by Qatar's Olympic team on Saturday, June 26.
"Team #Qatar sprinter and world 400m bronze medalist Abdalelah Haroun died today," the Qatar Olympic Team said in a tweet.
According to SunSport citing sources in Qatar, the youngster reportedly died after he was involved in a car crash.
Reports further suggest Haroun has been in a rehabilitation programme after shaking off an injury in preparation to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.
The athlete made a name for himself in 2017 when he won the 400m bronze medal at the World Athletics Championship.
Two years prior, the promising sprinter had set a new Asian indoor record with a timing of 45:39 during the XL Galan in 2015.
He went on to win a silver medal a year later at the 2016 World Indoor Championships and two gold medals at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta in the 400m and 4x400m relay.
Haroun, who traces his roots to Sudan was recruited at a young age from the Eastern African country by Qatar and gained eligibility to represent them in February 2015.
A number of online users have since taken to social media to send the youngster tributes:
One said: "Deeply saddened by the passing of Abdulilah. He was a nice guy, respectful individual, and great athlete. Rest in peace."
A second mourned: "Oh Good Lord. Rest In Peace. This is tragic."
While a third posted: "So young, too young R.I.P."
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Earlier, Legit.ng had reported how Laurel Hubbardis is now on the verge of recording her names in the history books of sports by becoming the first transgender athlete to compete at the Tokyo Olympics games.
The 43-year-old has been cleared to participate in the super-heavyweight category in weightlifting for New Zealand.
Before making the transitioning almost 10 years ago, Laurel Hubbard had competed in men's weightlifting competitions.
Source: Legit.ng
Ibitoye Shittu Ibitoye Shittu is an award-winning Sports Journalist with more than 10 years of experience in News-writing, reporting and Public Relations. He is a B.SC holder in Mass Communication and can be reached on Twitter @ibishittu
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