Olympics: Qatari athletes bring glory to their country

The sovereign Arab state with a population less than 3 million had their dreams come alive when Qatari athletes clinched two bronze medals at the 2012 London Olympics. The country which had invested millions in the sports industry had their efforts and recognition paid off atlast. Qatar, who are going to showcase the 2022 World Cup, sent their finest sporting icons to the London Games. The two stars recorded top class performances in their respective events helping Qatar grab two bronze medals at the events. The nation won their first medal after 12 years! The Qatari athletes had hope, faith and trust which successfully enabled them to succeed in London. Moreover, they had firm determination and a positive mindset. Qatar is arguably the best among the Middle East countries in the field of sports and is currently ranked 62 in the medals tally. They have one event remaining where they hope to add another medal to their tally before the London Games come to an end on 12th August.

1.) Nasser Al-Attiyah – (Men’s Skeet)

Rank	Athlete	Qual	Final	Total	Bronze shoot-off	Notes
01 !	Vincent Hancock (USA)	123	25	148		OR
02 !	Anders Golding (DEN)	122	24	146
03 !	Nasser Al-Attiyah (QAT)	121	23	144	6

The 41 year old Qatari, who won had the Dakar Rally, sealed his Olympic campaign with a third place victory in the Men’s Shooting event at the London Games. The talented and experienced shooter was the sole hope of Qatar after he achieved 23 hits out of 25 targets. Through his fantastic performance, he proved that even a small middle eastern country was capable of securing a medal at the biggest stage of them all. This is his 5th Olympics and his second Olympic finals. His name shall be etched in Qatar history.

“This has been such a fantastic day for me.I’ve waited for this moment for the past 20 years. I’ve done everything, but I did not have an Olympic medal. This is definitely a start in the true sense for me. Qatar has given me everything I have. It was time that I gave back something to my country. “

Truly, Nasser had lived his dream.

2.) Mutaz Essa Barshim- (High Jump)

The National record holder recorded 2.29 m in the Men’s High Jump event to win a bronze medal at the London Games. The 21 year old who did his training at the Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence, enjoyed his major win at the Olympics. He produced memorable results of 2.20, 2.25 and 2.29 with ease. In front of a crowd of 80,000, the athlete in maroon made a lap of honour with the Qatar national flag as the spectators stood up and applauded the 21 year old.

		Ivan Ukhov	O	O	O	X	2.38
		Erik Kynard	O	X	X	X	2.33
		Mutaz Essa Barshim	XXX				2.29

The Qatari dedicated his medal to the Emir of the state and the crown prince and said, ” I am so happy that I have won an Olympics medal. I have worked so hard for this. It was really a tough competition.”