Al Hammadi dedicates his medal haul to tragic Hayayei
UAE para-athlete remembers teammate after winning 400-metre silver, 100-metre bronze
The UAE’s Mohammad Al Hammadi has dedicated his World Para-athletics Championship silver and bronze medals to his teammate Abdullah Hayayei, who was killed in a freak training accident in London last week.
Al Hammadi won a silver in the T34 400-metres at the event in London on Tuesday to add to his earlier bronze in the 100-metres on Saturday, and said: “This is for my brother Abdullah.”
Hayayei, 36, was killed on July 11, just days ahead of the event, which takes place from July 14-23, after he was struck on the head by a falling discus cage in an official training session at Newham Leisure Centre in the British capital.
Hayayei’s funeral took place on Wednesday, July 19, in his native Fujairah, and the UAE team vowed to stay on in London to honour their teammate by bringing home medals as possible.
The UAE now have a total two medals so far thanks to Al Hammadi. Al Hammadi finished second to Tunisia’s Walid as many
Shocked and saddened
Commenting on the UAE para athlete’s death last week, Ed Warner, Co-chair of London 2017, said: “This is a devastating event and everyone within the London 2017 Organising Committee is shocked and saddened. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Abdullah’s family and teammates at what is undoubtedly a very difficult time for them. We will be working closely with all the competitors and teams over the days ahead to offer support wherever it is needed.”
Chelsey Gotell, Chairperson of the IPC Athletes’ Council said: “The IPC Athlete Council is devastated to hear about the passing of Abdullah Hayayei.
“As the Paralympic athlete community, we come together to celebrate the joy of sport but we also come together as a family to mourn during the most difficult of times. On behalf of all Paralympic athletes, we would like to extend our unwavering love and support to his family, teammates, friends and the NPC of the UAE.”