UAE teenager Mariam Kareem’s stunning rise from school runner to Asian Games champion

Emirati teenager Mariam Kareem, an 18-year-old hurdler, has experienced an astounding rise from being a school runner to becoming an Asian Games champion. Over the past few months, she has achieved remarkable success, including finishing fourth in the 400m hurdles at the World Athletics U20 Championships and winning gold at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.

Kareem began her season with a time of 57.39 seconds at a Grand Prix in Addis Ababa in April, and concluded it with a record-breaking 54.31 seconds at the Asian Games. This impressive performance not only earned her the gold medal but also set new Asian Games and U20 records. At the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, Kareem clocked a time of 56.27 seconds, placing her fourth, just 0.28 seconds away from the podium.

Despite her success, Kareem acknowledges that the rapid progression has taken her by surprise. The 18-year-old credits her coach from the UAE Athletics Federation for recognizing her potential when she was still competing at her high school in Dubai. Her coach's unwavering support and guidance motivated her to take athletics seriously, turning her passion for running into a promising career.

Kareem's journey to the top has not been without challenges. She had to contend with a difficult time zone change in Japan, which caused her anxiety and unease. However, she remained resilient and focused on her personal events. She attributes her incredible achievements to Allah's guidance and her own hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of her coach.