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Ali al Balushi qualifies for Paris Olympics

3 Jul 2024 Ali al Balushi qualifies for Paris Olympics By MOHAMMED TAHA

Muscat – Ali bin Anwar al Balushi has qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics after ranking 49th in the world in the 100m sprint.

Speaking to Muscat Daily from Turkey, Balushi said, “Qualifying for the Olympic Games is a dream that all athletes have, and many athletes end their sports careers without realising it due to challenges and limited spots available for qualification in each competition. Typically, it does not exceed 56 athletes, even in events like the 100m race.”

Balushi added that he is proud of this achievement, “which was the result of three years of planning and hard work, not mere chance”.

The Omani sprinter participated in numerous competitions to improve his world ranking and qualify for the 2024 Olympics. “Additionally, I attended several training camps in countries including Greece, the Czech Republic, Germany, France, Italy and Turkey. Based on my performances in these competitions,  World Athletics calculated the average points from my best results in the last five championships to determine my eligibility for the Olympics.”

Elaborating on the qualification process for athletics competitions at the Paris games, he said, “The qualification window opened on July 1, 2023 and closed on June 30, 2024. The system consists of a dual pathway with 50% of athletes qualifying through entry standards and the remaining 50% qualifying through world rankings.”

Balushi advised Omani youth not to succumb to challenges and to believe in their abilities, especially in individual sports like track and field. “This discipline demands focus, dedication and proper nutrition,” he stressed.

“I am eager to continue representing the sultanate at international competitions and proudly raising the Omani flag in different countries.”

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