Doha College welcomed Qatari athlete Mariam Mamdouh Farid (pictured) during Secondary Sports Week, where she delivered an inspiring talk to over 1,000 pupils about the power of sport, education, and perseverance.Mariam represented her country at the 17th World Athletics Championships in Doha in 2019, competing in the Women’s 400-metre hurdles. Her journey, marked by resilience and dedication, resonated deeply with the students as she shared her experiences of overcoming challenges and breaking barriers.Speaking on the final day of the competition, Mariam emphasised the significant role sports have played in shaping her physical and mental strength. “Sports helped me physically, mentally, and changed so much in my personality that made me a better person,” she said. “I believe there’s a lot of challenges that I’ve tried to overcome, but I think they were beautiful challenges.” Mariam encouraged students to make the most of Doha College’s world-class facilities, using them as a springboard for success in all aspects of life.“You need to finish your studies. You need to have a degree,” she stressed, underscoring the necessity of education alongside athletic pursuits.One of the most impactful messages Mariam shared was about perseverance and the importance of pushing past setbacks.“To all Doha College students, we all have obstacles, we all go through difficult times,” she said. “The experience of not succeeding in something is the beginning of you succeeding. So I just want to tell every single person: never give up. Stay focused. Discipline and consistency will lead you to big dreams, to success.”Mariam also spoke about her role in breaking stereotypes, particularly as a female athlete representing Qatar on the international stage while wearing the hijab. “Breaking stereotypes of a woman who’s covered, wearing a hijab, or from a different culture, from a different religion — this shows that anyone can achieve something on a high level, nationally or internationally.”Principal David Tongue said: “Mariam’s visit was truly inspiring for our students. Her story of perseverance, dedication, and the balance between sports and education perfectly aligns with our values at Doha College. We are committed to providing our students with opportunities to learn from role models like Mariam, who exemplify the power of resilience and ambition.”