22 Dec. 2015 – Lynn AZAR, this name is to remember! She is a very young and extremely talented girl in athletics. I am lucky to be her teammate in Champville!
Last year, I’ve heard of her name through coach Carine BITCHAKJIAN in Champville. She told me that we have a rising talent called Lynn. As an athlete, I really love to meet new rising stars and encourage them to continue, knowing that most of the athletes reach a time when they quit due to School or University studies.
I first met Lynn during her training session in school. I sat next to her and started a discussion. I asked her if she knows about the Bantam record, how much it is and who holds it. Her answer was no, so I told her that I was the owner of the record of 5.05m in Long Jump fro the 12-13 category. I knew back then that she will be inspired and that I will have a role to play in her career!
Before joining our club team, Lynn used to train with the school team. She set a new Kids record in Long Jump scoring 4.30 meters. She joined us this year in training and I noticed how serious this young girl is! Sometimes I look up to her! She is very motivated and extremely dedicated!
My experience in athletics taught me how to act with the young athletes, and more importantly, taught me how influential people can be with you. I would like to name some great people who inspired and influenced me throughout my career:
Arda KALPAKLIAN, who was the first person to see in me something no one ever noticed. She encouraged me to play basketball before moving to athletics. She still does so now!! She inspired a lot of young boys and girls in my school being the Sports teacher of the students aged between 7 and 9 years-old! She was the first Lebanese athlete to represent Lebanon at the Olympic Games in Munich 1972!
Elie SAADE, my coach since 2007! A father and a friend, someone who keeps encouraging me not only in athletics but also in the professional life. He is the person who encouraged me the most to pursue a career in journalism! I should note that he is the first person who mediatised sports on television!
Carine BITCHAKJIAN, our assistant coach, “my elder sister”, who always knew how to guide me and support my stubborn character! I would like to point out that she is a must to our team, she always know how to fill the gaps, how to take care of the young athletes and the new-comers!
Yes, I know how important an inspiration is, that’s why I want to be this person to the young talents. I know a lot of my athletes-friends who play the same role in their clubs! I would like to take this opportunity to encourage the current and former champions to always support to the young athletes, not only to venture into athletics but, to continue and achieve greatness!
We all have a role to play in this track and field society!
To get back to Lynn, she jumped in the triathlon Championship organized by Jamhour last week, 4.50 meters in long jump!!! An astonishing performance! When I was her age, I jumped 4.64 meters but, Lynn still has two full years to beat my most valuable record of 5.05 meters. After 8 years, I finally met the one who will finally beat my records and take long jump to a next level!
I promised that if someone beats this mark, I will take care of that person and will never let her quit until she reaches greatness, no matter who this person will be!
Finally, I would like to conclude with a quote from Jacky Joyner KERSSE that says: “The medals don’t mean anything and the glory doesn’t last. It’s all about your happiness. The rewards are going to come, but my happiness is just loving the sport and having fun performing!”.
Cheers,
Krystel Saneh
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