AUS athletes excel in powerlifting and swimming competitions

Students from American University of Sharjah (AUS) left a significant impact on collegiate sports with their exemplary performances in three key intercollegiate events organized by the AUS Student Athletics and Recreation Department (SARD) in November.

In the AUS Men’s and Women’s Intercollegiate Powerlifting Competition, the AUS men’s team placed first out of 18 universities, with Ahmed Bassem and Nartan Ragab winning first and second places, respectively, in the Best Lifter category. The women’s powerlifting team also made a strong showing, securing second place overall out of eight universities, with Rewa Hajjar claiming first place and Lana Orabi taking third in the Best Lifter category.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Saif Alsharqi, President of Emirates Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation was present at the prize distribution ceremony. The competition was also attended by Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS.

"It was truly inspiring to see the powerlifting athletes from AUS and other participating schools demonstrate such exceptional strength and skill. Their dedication and athleticism are commendable and a testament to the spirit of sportsmanship we cherish at AUS," said Dr. Laursen.

“My journey to the competition was a mix of hard work and learning. Balancing training with academics taught me discipline. Facing athletes from various universities challenged and inspired me. The support from coaches and teammates was crucial. Placing third in the Best Lifter category was a rewarding outcome of my dedication. I'm eager to continue improving and participating in future events with my teammates,” said Orabi.

The AUS Men’s Intercollegiate Swimming Competition, featuring teams from seven universities, was a showcase of talent and determination. The AUS swimmers achieved commendable results in various categories. Mohamed Sasi Fuad Atiyah won second place in the 100-meter Backstroke and third in the 50-meter Butterfly, while Mohamed Bassem Dwidar clinched third in the 100-meter Backstroke and second in the 50-meter Breaststroke. Barra Taleb secured second place in both the 100-meter Freestyle and 50- meter Backstroke, with Ahmed Mohamed Abdelhady finishing third in the 50-meter Backstroke. The Men's Swimming Team also secured second place in the 4x100-meter Freestyle Relay, contributing to their overall second place in the championship. 

“It was a pleasure to race alongside talented swimmers from across the Emirates. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the SARD and AUS Swimming Coaches Raja and Mehmoud for orchestrating such a splendid event. I am hopeful that this competition will become an annual tradition, attracting more universities in the future,” he said.

In the AUS Women's Intercollegiate Swimming Competition, the AUS team competed against seven other universities. Nelly Karim stood out, winning first place in the 50-meter Breaststroke and 200-meter Individual Medley, and securing second place in the 50-meter Butterfly. Leen Samer Aljayyusi achieved second place in the 50-meter Freestyle. The AUS Women's Swimming Team triumphed in the 4x50-meter Freestyle Relay. Their collective efforts resulted in AUS securing second place in the overall championship.

“Facing talented swimmers from various universities was a challenging yet exhilarating experience. This accomplishment is a testament to hard work and the importance of healthy competition. I'm left with fond memories and a renewed motivation to strive for excellence," said Aljayyusi.

Solomon Aruparayil, Acting Director of SARD, said: "The remarkable performances in powerlifting and swimming by our students this year are a clear indicator of the vibrant and dynamic sports culture we nurture here. These events have not only highlighted the exceptional talents of our athletes but also the strong spirit of competition and camaraderie among universities. We are proud of our students' achievements and are thankful for the support and enthusiasm of everyone involved, which have been pivotal in the success of these intercollegiate competitions."