Dubai: Mohammad Al Hammadi will present his four World Para-athletic Championship medals to the children of his late teammate Abdullah Hayayei, upon his return from London this week.
UAE discus, javelin and shot put specialist Hayayei, 36, was killed when a metal discus cage fell on his head at Newham Leisure Centre during an official pre-event training session on July 11, just days ahead of the championships, which took place in London from July 14 to 23.
Hayayei’s teammates stayed on in London to honour the late father of five by winning as many medals as possible and it was Al Hammadi who delivered with four medals — three silvers and a bronze — placing the UAE 45th in the medals table.
Al Hammadi won three silvers in the T34 200-metres, 400-metres and 800-metres, and a bronze in the T34 100-metres.
He finished behind Tunisia’s Walid Ktila in all four events, coming closest in the 400-metres where he was just 38 split seconds behind.
“It was a hard two weeks for us after the tragedy that struck in our camp two days before the start of the championships,” said Al Hammadi.
“It affected everyone in the team. We still haven’t got over it and perhaps it will take a long time for it to happen.
“We decided all medals we win in this championship will be presented to brother Abdullah’s children, and that’s what we want to do on our return home.”
