The Australian athletics community is in mourning after the shock death of a young rising star, leaving many clubs paying tribute to the boy with an “extraordinary ability”.
Zulqarnain Haider, 14, was an accomplished athlete competing for Keilor Little Athletics Club in Melbourne’s northwest.
The teen represented his state on a national level, breaking many records along the way in his short stint in athletics.
Little Athletics Victoria honoured the young athlete posting on social media about his passing on Wednesday.
“Little Athletics Victoria is shocked and saddened to learn of the recent and sudden passing of Keilor Little Athlete, Zulqarnain Haider,” the state body announced.
“’Zulq’, to those who knew him, was an athlete with extraordinary ability.
“His athletics achievements in his very short life were possibly peerless.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
“Rest in peace.”
While Zulq’s cause of death remains unknown, the news of his passing sent shockwaves through the athletics community with many clubs and friends sharing their memories of the star athlete.
Little Athletics Australia said Zulq was a” true competitor and much loved talented Victorian athlete”.
“Zulq was an extraordinary athlete who dominated our Coles Australian Little Athletics Championships and broke Australian Personal Bests in the process,” the national body stated.
“Our thoughts are with Zulq’s family and friends during this difficult time, Rest In Peace Zulq”
Coburg Little Athletics Centre shared it’s condolences to Zulq’s family and friends.
“He was a joy to watch and many of our athletes stopped what they were doing whenever he ran,” the club wrote.
“A phenomenal talent taken too soon.”
The kind words kept flowing, as many came to terms with his death.
“Heartbreaking. Condolences to his family, friends and all those at Keilor LAC who had the privilege of watching this superstar grow as an exceptional athlete,” Brighton Little Athletics wrote.
“An incredible and humble athlete with an infectious smile,” Cranbourne Little Athletics shared.
Many people commented on the tribute that Zulq was a “pleasure to watch” and “incredibly talented”.
Zulq’s athletic achievements:
Little Athletics State and National championships
• Under 12: gold medallist in State 100m, 200m and 400m titles and broke the 200m State record
• Under 13: gold medallist in State and National 100m, 200m, 400m, 80m hurdles and 200m hurdles titles; broke the State and National 200m hurdles record; anchored
Victoria to a gold medal in the 4x100m
• Under 14: gold medallist in State Combined Event Championship
School Championships
• Under 14: gold medallist in State 100m, 200m and 90m hurdles titles; silver medallist in 200m hurdles and 400m; gold medallist in National 200m, silver medallist in 90m hurdles (Victorian record) and 400m; anchored Victoria to a gold medal in the 4x100m title
Senior Championships
• Under 13: broke the Victorian 400m record
• Under 14: gold medallist in State and National 100m, 200m and 400m titles; anchored Victoria to gold medal in 4x100m
• Under 15: gold medallist in National 100m title; bronze medallist in 400m; silver medallist in 4x100m relay