Setting up his blocks on the track, Anas Abu Ganaba can picture himself at the Rio De Janeiro Olympics in 2016.
Setting up his blocks on the track, Anas Abu Ganaba can picture himself at the Rio De Janeiro Olympics in 2016.
“When I’m out there running I can see myself there, that’s my absolute dream,” Abu Ganaba said.
“It would be overwhelming. I can just imagine hearing the crowd yelling and all that great noise.”
Abu Ganaba’s first taste of international competition will be the Australian Youth Olympic Festival (AYOF) this week.
The 16-year-old sprinter is competing in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay.
He said seeing all the different nations at the AYOF motivates him.
“I’m excited about just getting out there, seeing other countries with their flags,” he said.
Abu Ganaba spent the first four years of his life in Sudan, then moved to Egypt and finally to Australia in 2004.
He now lives with his family in Sydney, where he trains twice a week for athletics.
Abu Ganaba is not only a sprinter, but plays rugby league, AFL, rugby union, soccer and touch football.
The West Tigers fan said he enjoys being with the other athletes.
“I enjoy just being here with the team, because of the passion that they show.”
Abu Ganaba said being at the AYOF is a great experience that will set him up well for Rio in three years.
“The festival will be amazing here, and hopefully it prepares me well for the future,” he said.
The AYOF competitor is looking forward to any future Olympics appearances.
“One day I’ll make it there.”
Annie Kearney
olympics.com.au
