Qatar’s champion hurdler Abderrahman Samba says he can hardly wait to compete in front of his home fans at next year’s IAAF World Championships in Doha.
Samba, who dominated the 400m hurdles during the Diamond League season this year and also won two gold medals for Qatar at the Asian Games in Jakarta, was speaking at a press conference to mark the one-year countdown to the event at the Khalifa International Stadium.
 “My heart is already racing, and the adrenaline is pumping just by standing on the track. To compete in a stadium of this significance in front of my family and nation will be amongst the greatest moments of my career,” Samba said.
The 23-year-old added he was keen to show the world Qatar’s traditional hospitality and warmth when athletes gather in Doha next September.
“I’m also excited to show my fellow athletes from all corners of the world what we can offer in not only world-class hospitality and facilities, but also the talent we have coming through the ranks. In turn the world’s best will help myself and Team Qatar athletes inspire the next generation to take to the track for the first time. it will be a defining moment for all Team Qatar athletes.”
Samba recently clocked the second-fastest time ever (46.98 seconds) in the Paris Diamond League meet. In the process, he broke the legendary Edwin Moses’ meet record of 47.66 and got agonisingly close to shattering the world mark of 46.78 set by Kevin Young’s at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona.
“Obviously the time of 46.98 seconds I achieved in Paris was the high-point of my season,” said Samba.
Although he was a bit disappointed this was not an Olympic or World Championships year, Samba hoped he can make up for it next year in Doha.
“I certainly hope the next season will be even better,” he said. “My coach and I think we can go even faster. We are getting better.”
Samba added that Qatar is in for an exciting next few years with he and high-jumper Mutaz Barshim chasing world records.
“It’s great that we are in that position. Mutaz and I certainly hope to beat the world record in our fields one day. Hopefully, it will be next year in Doha.”
He said he and his coaching team have not finalised his schedule for next year.
“Nothing is decided. We are still working on it.”
He said he had no special plans for the long off season. “Just enjoy my vacastions and sleep a lot,” he said.