Sprinter Anas Abu-Gabana hits track for Australia
Anas Abu-Gabana will hit the track this week for Australia at the Oceania regional athletics championships. Off the track, he’s a role model for youth in Blacktown’s African community.
Blacktown
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Anas Abu-Ganaba has an old teacher to thank for his blossoming athletics career.
Abu-Gabana, who came to Blacktown in 2004 as a Sudanese refugee, has landed in Vanuatu where he will represent Australia at the 2018 Oceania athletics regional championships.
The lightning-fast sprinter will run in the 100m and 200m events, but he’s trying to keep his ambitions in check.
“I’m looking to go over there and just run to the best of my ability,” the 22-year-old said.
“If I can pull off a few PBs that would be great.”
He said a teacher encouraged him to take up athletics after spotting him running around the school oval in Year 6.
“I didn’t start taking athletics seriously until I was about 16,” the former Patrician Brothers College student said.
“I have to give thanks to my coach Greg Smith who has been a massive help developing me to this stage. And my mum who supported me all the way.”
The Oakhurst resident will run today and on Friday in the 100m and 200m events respectively.
The Youth Olympic gold medallist has also acted as a role model to young people in the local African community.
Afro Health and Fitness, which helps train Abu-Gabana, offers coaching and mentoring programs to African migrants in western Sydney.
Coach Emile Damey said he had seen Abu-Gabana’s influence first-hand.
“He’s so dedicated to making a difference in the community,” Damey said.
“The way he carries himself has inspired a lot of kids in his community.”
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