Barakat Al-Harthi

2013 World Championships in Athletics (August, 10) by Dmitry Rozhkov 39

Barakat Al-Harthi (Arabic: بركات الحارثي) is an Omani sprinter who specializes in the 100 meters and 200 meters events. He is notable for being one of Oman's most prominent athletes on the international stage, having represented his country in multiple editions of the Olympic Games, Asian Games, and the World Athletics Championships. Al-Harthi's achievements have played a significant role in promoting track and field athletics in Oman and inspiring the next generation of Omani athletes.

Early Life and Career

Barakat Al-Harthi was born in Oman on June 15, 1988. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in athletics, particularly in sprinting. His talent was evident early on, and he soon became part of the national athletics program, where he received formal training and coaching.

Career Highlights

Al-Harthi's breakthrough came when he won the 100 meters at the Arab Athletics Championships, marking him as a sprinter of international caliber. His success continued with notable performances at the Asian level, including medals at the Asian Athletics Championships and the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships.

At the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, Al-Harthi won a bronze medal in the 100 meters, making him the first Omani athlete to win a medal in the short sprints at the Asian Games. This achievement was a significant milestone for Omani athletics, highlighting the country's potential on the Asian athletics stage.

Al-Harthi's participation in the Olympic Games has been another highlight of his career. He represented Oman in the 100 meters at the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Although he did not medal, his presence at the Games was a source of pride for Oman and contributed to raising the profile of athletics in the country.

Personal Bests

Al-Harthi has set national records in both the 100 meters and 200 meters. His personal best in the 100 meters is 10.05 seconds, set in 2019, which is the Omani national record. In the 200 meters, his personal best is 20.97 seconds, showcasing his versatility and speed over both sprint distances.

Impact and Legacy

Barakat Al-Harthi's success on the international stage has had a profound impact on athletics in Oman. He has become a role model for young athletes in the country, demonstrating that with dedication and hard work, competing at the highest levels of international athletics is possible. His achievements have also increased interest in track and field sports in Oman, with more young people taking up athletics.

Future Prospects

As of the last update, Al-Harthi continues to train and compete, with his sights set on future competitions, including the Asian Games and potentially another appearance at the Olympic Games. His ongoing career will be closely watched by fans and aspiring athletes in Oman and around the world.