A London Met alumnus will represent Team GB on the greatest sporting stage this week.
Date: 26/07/2012
A London Met alumnus will represent Team GB on the greatest sporting stage this week.
Abdul Buhari, who has a degree in Computing and Mathematical Sciences from London Met, has been selected in Team GB’s athletics squad to compete in discus at the London 2012 Games.
The 30-year-old produced a 65m, 24cm-throw at a selection event in Birmingham in June.
For that, he received the all-important A-standard, prompting his inclusion in the Olympic team, announcement the following month.
“I was completely over the moon, ecstatic. I knew I had thrown the distance, but I still couldn’t be sure I was in the team until the announcement,” Abdul said.
“It feels amazing, like the years of hard work are paying off.”
Abdul began intensive discus training nine years ago, while studying at London Met.
“It was a big time for me, I really enjoyed my course at London Met. I also met my wife there in 2002, so I have very fond memories.
“I met a lot of wonderful people at uni and I’m still friends with a lot of them today.”
Abdul began a career in investment banking after completing his degree at London Met.
“My London Met degree helped pave the way for my career in investment banking.
“I’m really fortunate to have that career now, because the bank I work for has allowed me to work two days per week while I train for the Games.”
Asked whether he dares to dream of medalling in London, Abdul is humble but unashamedly optimistic.
“Yes, I know my fate is in my own hands now. I have to be completely clinical from here in and I’m a chance.”
Abdul has finished on a podium more than 50 times in his nine-year career and his throw in Birmingham would have put him in medal contention at both recent European and world championship events.
The Nigerian-born, Brixton-raised athlete had a simple message to the London Met students of today.
“If you want something – dedicate yourself, be ambitious and don’t give up.”
Well done Abdul, we’ll be watching!
For more pics of Abdul in action please visit the London Met Facebook page.