UAE Para-athlete Abdullah Hayayei dies in training incident ahead of World Championships in London
Wednesday 12 July 2017 07:23, UK
Para athlete Abdullah Hayayei has died following a training incident in London ahead of the upcoming World Para Athletics Championships, the International Paralympic Committee has announced.
The 36-year-old, who represented the United Arab Emirates in the F34 class javelin and shot put at Rio 2016, was training at Newham Leisure Centre in preparation for the championships, which begin on Friday at the London Stadium.
An IPC statement said: "Emergency services were called shortly after 5.00pm to reports of a seriously injured man.
"Police, London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance attended the scene. At 5.20pm the athlete was pronounced dead at the scene.
"The athlete's family who are in the UAE have been informed of his death and the UAE team were brought together at the team hotel to be informed of the tragic news."
A moment of silence will be held to remember Hayayei during Friday's opening ceremony.
IPC president Sir Philip Craven added: "We are all truly devastated by this tragic news and the passing of Abdullah.
"The thoughts, prayers and condolences of the whole Paralympic movement are with Abdullah's family, friends and team-mates as well as the whole of the National Paralympic Committee of the UAE.
"We are all in a state of shock at this terrible tragedy."
Ed Warner, co-chair of London 2017, added: "This is a devastating event and everyone within the London 2017 organising committee is shocked and saddened.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Abdullah's family and team-mates at what is undoubtedly a very difficult time for them.
"We will be working closely with all the competitors and teams over the days ahead to offer support wherever it is needed."
