World champs show class in coaching clinic at Doha College

Students in Qatar were handed a golden opportunity at a training session when former world champions visited Doha College to offer advice and inspire the next generation of athletes in Doha. The highly decorated team of former athletes, who have collectively won nine World Championships medals, led a specialist coaching session for aspiring students with long jump world record holder Mike Powell helping youngsters to recreate his record leap of 8.95m. The two-time World Championships gold medallist was joined by double-gold medallist Ashton Eaton, former high jump world champion Stefan Holm and heptathlon double-silver medallist Brianne Theisen-Eaton. The four stars are visiting Qatar in ambassadorial roles for the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019, where they are taking in the local culture and supporting the Championships which will see 24 more finals take place in the remaining four days of the competition. Offering advice on technique, training methods and long term goals and vision, the athletes met pupils from both the primary and secondary school of Doha College, with Powell commenting: “I coach college kids and I love it because these kids have dreams and they’re trusting me to help them accomplish their goals, so they’re making me part of their dream. I know how much my coaches affected me and how much I love them for what they helped me do. It’s great to be here and help give back the things that were given to me.“I hope the kids here today can go home and tell their parents they’ve had fun. That’s the main thing but also that they want to work hard, but I hope they can go away and believe in themselves. Anything is possible.” Tabatha, aged 16, at Doha College took part in the coaching clinic, adding: “It was really exciting to see the athletes in school, where we come every day. They gave us great advice such as how to deal with pressure and stress in sport. Having athletes from across the world here at Khalifa Stadium is great. I’ve seen the stadium grow and it’s amazing to have the competition here.” There is still time for fans to be a part of the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 with four evenings of action remaining at Khalifa International Stadium, including 24 finals where world champions will be made. Tickets can be bought outside Khalifa International Stadium from booth one, or online at https://iaafworldathleticschamps.com/doha2019/