8 AIS-R school records broken in two days!

By Abbi Jeffers

Edited by Hilma Bjork, Qayla Yusri

 

 

The American International School of Riyadh track and field team has worked all season to get 18 school records and nearly 80 PB’s (personal bests) at the 2015 track meet this past weekend held in Dubai. With 20 hours of practice over the course of 15 practice days. “There wasn't a single person not working really hard at every single practice,” says Claire Guy, track and field member.

 

The meet was held at night, over two days (4:15pm - 10pm). Although at night, and being there myself, I observed that it was still hot and humid. With a high of 34 degrees celsius the first day of the meet with 30% humidity, you might guess that the meet was no picnic. The second day was slightly cooler but warm nonetheless, a high of 29 degrees celsius and 72% humidity.

 

These hours of practice has brought the team to many victories, as the results of the meet would show. “Their performance was a reflection of their hard work, dedication, and perseverance.” quoted by Mrs. Veronique Mathy, track and field coach.

 

Tenth grade track and field member and the new high jump JV school record holder, Brett Jeffers says, “I feel like the results were nothing marvelous but the results achieved would not have been possible without practice.”

 

Not only did practice help the individuals but also the team’s unity and support. This season the AIS-R team has gotten so close, that they supported each and everyone to the finish line no matter how far behind or how tired.

 

During the U14 (under fourteen) boys 800 meter race, 6th grader, Blaze, was undoubtedly far behind. Although he was far behind, the whole team was cheering him on throughout the race. In the last 200 meters of the race teammates from all over the field ran with Blaze until he concluded his race with a sprint.

 

“Honestly it made me really happy that our team supports each other so much,” says eighth grade track and field member Danya Nahas.

 

Compared to the other teams, Saif Saleh, sixth grade track and field member finds that, “Our team was really supportive to its members, encouraging, and inspiring, making the members try harder, as part of a team, not as individuals.”

 

Thanks to the team’s great effort, dedication in their practice and their support they were able to end the season with big bang. It’s clear to see everyone on the team came out with a victory.

 

Curious about joining the track and field team next year?

 

“Come join the team, it's not just about running, it's also about jumping or throwing. And as I said before, we don't really cut people off the team like in other sports.” says Mrs. Mathy. If you don’t believe Mrs. Mathy, take it from Charlotte Cox and eighth grade team member “[You] shouldn't give it another thought and just join the team it’s such a good one and together we make up such a good group of friends! You will never forget the memories and friendship that you make.”