I started track and field in 1981. In September 1980, he matched the Lebanese record in the 100m -a dream record for many athletes. He succeeded. I did not know him at the time, I had only read about him in the paper. When I started training with Raymond Naccour, I was excited to learn he was in the team. It was intimidating for me to be next to the Lebanese record holder. Could one just simply start a conversation with such an athlete?
The answer came with his great smile. A smile that started running with us, telling jokes, laughing and having fun. This record holder was a gentle and easy going young man, fun to be with who, spread a "joie de vivre” all around him. He had a big heart!
We trained one year together. Although we did not see each other very often after that year, we had a blast every time we met going down memory lane. All who have known him still remember his smile and his constant good mood!
We are very fortunate to have known him! He left us too early and deprived us of his smile. That is life, whimsical and unfair. It has stolen him from us for no reason.
I am certain that all his friends miss a joyful person and a great athlete. Our youth would have benefited fro
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