by Alfonz Juck
Abdalelah Haroun with Falcon, courtesy of Laurel Media
Haroun with Falcon, but Merritt to chase own MR
DOHA (QAT): A very tough race awaits Qatar’s latest hot prospect Abdalelah Haroun on Friday evening on Qatar Sports Club’s track, with LaShawn Merritt, Luguelin Santos and Isaac Makwala, among others, taking part in the 400 m. In the field of 8 runners two have sub 44 personal best and the rest under 45 seconds. Trinidad´s talent Machel Cedenio also has already this year a sub 45 in his records (44.79). Another New kid on the block is Bahamas Steven Gardiner representing the up and coming generation. US runners are filling the remaining two spots David Verburg and Tony McQuay. Here the meet record will not be easy but it is not impossible to break the 44.19 of Merritt from 2012. In the meantime the 400 m world indoor silver medallist Haroun enjoyed some relaxing moments, between training sessions, playing with a female falcon. Falcons are Qatar’s national birds.
Abdalelah Haroun with Falcon, courtesy of Laurel Media
Larry Eder comments: Mr. Haroun is quite brave. I was fortunate to hold a falcon (with eyes covered) in the lobby of the InterContinental in 2013, and I just about wet myself. I was told that if the eyes were uncovered, the falcon would gladly chew up an arm. As I only have two arms and same number of eyes, I was glad that Madame Falcon was covered. In all seriousness, this is a formidable field in the 400 meters.
