MUSCAT: Great Britain team clinched the gold medal of the mixed short relay event on the opening day of the FISU World University Championships Cross Country (Muscat 2024) at the Military Technological College on Saturday. The team comprising Tyler Bilyard, Tia Wilson, Alexander Melloy and Bethan Morley won the gold medal after they clocked 19 minutes and 19 seconds while Alejandro Quijada, Raquel Echeverria, Adam MAijo and Marta Serrano of Spain bagged silver with 19 minutes and 22 seconds. South Africa's Cameron Domingo, Simonay Weitsz, Sisanda Dumisa and Liam Swart Christopher claimed the bronze medal when they finished the race in 19 minutes and 33 seconds.
In the mixed long relay event, the Spanish team grabbed the gold medal as they completed the race distance in 52 minutes and 19 seconds. The team comprised Miguel Baidal, Alicia Berzosa, Angel Martinez and Andrea Romero. The silver medal went to France as they finished the race distance within a timing of 52 minutes and 36 seconds. The French athletes were Julien Rebeck, Melanie Allier and Baptiste Cartieaux. South Africa's Phemelo Ntoe, Maria Karabo Mailula, Abednico Choba and Kirsti Erin Bell team took the bronze medal after they registered a timing of 53 minutes and 10 seconds.
The first world class University Championship event began in Oman on Friday under the auspices of Bader bin Salim al Mamari, Secretary-General of the Tender Board, in presence of Leonz Eder, FISU President; Dr Salim al Araimi, Chairman of OCUS; and officials
During the opening ceremony, Dr Ali al Bimani, Vice-chancellor of the National University of Science and Technology, in his speech said: ”For ages, sports have been viewed to stay healthy and fit but it goes beyond that. Today sports are essential for students' overall growth and development. Various sports helped them to learn and embrace life skills including teamwork, leadership, accountability, patience and self confidence. Students got the chance to work on their physical and mental abilities to achieve their goals in life. There are a variety of international university events and different players represent their country in these championships. FISU World University Championships Cross Country (Muscat 2024) organized in Muscat is one f those international events. I welcome all the participants and wish them good luck.”
Dr Salim al Araimi, Chairman of Oman Committee of University Sports (OCUS), said
“It is a great day to welcome all the athletes from around the world to Oman. We are grateful to host FISU World University Championships Cross Country (Muscat 2024). We wish good luck to all the athletes in this World Sports University event. I hope to have a pleasant stay and return back to your home countries with great memories about the Sultanate of Oman.”
Leonz Eder, FISU President, in his speech said: “On behalf of the International University Sports Federation and the organising committee of the event, I am pleased to welcome you all to the beautiful city of Muscat, to host the 23rd World University Cross Country Championships - Muscat 2024. This is the first world championship in the Sultanate of Oman under the umbrella of the FISU. I am confident this event will be followed by many events during the coming years.
“I highly appreciate the proper planning and great efforts made by the organising committee of this championship in Muscat. Special thanks goes to the volunteers of the tournament. I also extend my thanks to FISU colleagues for their cooperation with the organizing committee and their assistance in accomplishing many tasks. We wish all the athletes a successful tournament and to enjoy all the details of this tournament. I am confident that the memories that will bring you together in this tournament will remain for many long years. I also wish you success in the competitions, and I hope all the athletes get much closer to Omani culture."
Over 200 athletes from 21 countries are taking part in FISU World University Championships Cross Country (Muscat 2024) in Muscat on Saturday and Sunday.
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