Hi. My name is Ahmed. I go to The Heathland School in Hounslow. I am 14 and I am a keen runner.
I first got interested in running when we did our first cross-country run. It was the first time I’d ever run that far and found it really hard. Of course at that time there were many people in my class who were better than me. My PE teachers told me had a good running style and could prevail. In the next few cross-countries I indeed got better and won a few of them.
In the months and years that followed I’ve been picked as a regular to represent the school in the Borough Championships. These races are very unusual, as I was racing against people I’d never seen before. In my first race I finished 11th.
When the new school year began there was a new member of staff. All I knew was that she was a really fast runner. Little did I know she was going to be running in our class's first cross-country run of the season. I was really nervous but go a lot of support from my friends that I could beat her. I indeed beat her and ran the second fastest time in the history of the school.
Later I found out her name was Miss Gutch and she was willing to help me become a really good runner. I listened to her advice and for the first time in my life I joined a club. Joining a club means not only that I have a place where I can run, but it is also a place where I can socialise and become not only a better runner but a better person.
I don’t know what it is about running, but running is something that is really dear to me. If something is bothering me or I’m feeling really sad, I can always turn to running to relieve me. Before I run in big races I’m always really excited. This is because I prepare for every race as though it's an Olympic final.
Joining a club has really paid off for me. In the past few months I’ve been picked as a member of the county team and I went to the nationals and came in the top 100 in England. For me this was a dream come true. In my last two county championships I have finished 1st in the 3000m and the 1500m.
I couldn’t have been as successful as I am right now without the hard work and determination and help from Miss Gutch, Mr Mawson, my friends and family. One day my dream is to be an Olympic champion.
Comments
Well done Ahmed - work hard and your dreams will come true. I will look forward to seeing you on the podium in the future! Good luck!
Kaz Tuesday, June 20, 2006 11:32:59 AM
That's great! With all the help you are getting from people around you and your own hard work - you can only succeed. Keep it up Ahmed!
MacChick Wednesday, June 28, 2006 06:17:34 PM
Well done Ahmed, I know you're going to be running strongly over the winter and even faster next summer. Keep working ahrd and we'll get you where you want to be. Noel (coach!)
Noel Stoddart Sunday, July 02, 2006 03:37:46 PM
That dude Noel (... the coach), not only is he a good trainer but he's pretty good Mathematician as well!
Aftab C Sunday, July 02, 2006 05:41:00 PM
There are so many distractions in life for young people, only the truly inspired will make it in athletics...but it sounds like the flame has been lit for you, Ahmed. Hopefully you are inspired by previous Hounslow greats who have achieved at World/Olympic/European level. It will be you in the future.
Zara Hyde Peters Sunday, July 02, 2006 05:47:16 PM
Don't be distracted by ANYTHING!! You can do better there is actually no limit if you only set your mind to it!! Go for it !All the best and don't forget to ask God's help.
Naa Glover -Quartey Monday, July 03, 2006 02:31:59 PM
Behind every successful man there is a good woman! Well done Ahmed,keep up the good work, with your talent and attitude you should go far.I enjoy watching you run and I agree the club is excellent for promoting many aspects of life.
Kay Pryce Tuesday, July 04, 2006 10:04:34 AM
Behind every successful man there is a good woman! Well done Ahmed,keep up the good work, with your talent and attitude you should go far.I enjoy watching you run and I agree the club is excellent for promoting many aspects of life.
Kay Pryce Tuesday, July 04, 2006 10:04:35 AM
You have already shown your determination to work hard and succeed at a sport you plainly love, Ahmed. I wish you every success and I'm sure we will see you at the Olympics, if not in Beijing in 2008, the next ones in London. With the support of your Club and coaches, I am confidentyou will do your country proud. Good luck.
Cilla Fereday Wednesday, July 05, 2006 02:17:54 AM
Good for you Ahmed. Keep on running and keep on beleiving and I am sure that you will realise your dreams.
Jon Aston Wednesday, July 05, 2006 01:33:48 PM
Hiya Ahmed, a very moving piece you have wriiten! Well done lucy
Lucy Edmunds Wednesday, July 05, 2006 05:36:38 PM
that piece you have written was fantastic and I hope you achieve want you want to be
Eve Edmunds Wednesday, July 05, 2006 05:45:17 PM
Wow! You're almost as good a writer as you are a runner! Well done! Keep up all your hard work and I'm sure that you'll get to where you want to be. *Good Luck*
Rachel Pryce Wednesday, July 12, 2006 04:15:57 PM
yay ahmad you rock!you make us win!
Freya Friday, July 14, 2006 11:13:26 AM
Well done Ahmed, it sounds like you have a real passion for your running - I will look out for your name in the future and you never know, if you keep your determination and enthusiasm we might see you at the 2012 Olympics!
Jemma Nissel Saturday, July 22, 2006 02:15:23 PM