By Ahmad Abughaush, a 20 year old representing Jordan in Rio 2016 has claimed Jordan’s first ever Olympic gold medal. Competing in Taekwondo, Ahmad beat Russian competitor Alexey Denisenko and won the gold in the men’s 68 Kilogram category. Ahmad was born in Jordan but has roots in Palestine with his grandparents being from the village aptly named Abu Ghosh.
Ahmad was not considered in the running for a medal as he was seeded 10th and was not expected on the podium at all, let alone to stand in the middle receiving gold.
Beating the Olympic champion in London 2012, Ahmad spoke of what this achievement means not only for him but for Jordan as a whole.
“It’s a great feeling to listen to the national anthem of Jordan being played in Rio in front of the whole world,” he said, once again reiterating how the Olympics serve a bigger purpose than existing for our viewership.
“It’s a great feeling to listen to the national anthem of Jordan being played in Rio in front of the whole world,” he said, once again reiterating how the Olympics serve a bigger purpose than existing for our viewership.
Abughaush was the dark horse in the race with his progress shocking many including himself. “I am thrilled to have got off to a winning start,” he said immediately after beating Spain’s 2012 London gold medalist, Joel Gonzalez 12-7.
At 20 years old and a student from Amman, Ahmad was also the youngest competitor in his division and did not expect the win as just last year he did not make it past the second round of world championships.
Ahmad, who is also of Palestinian decent, is also aware of the significance of his win, not only for himself and those who helped train him, but for Jordanians everywhere. Speaking on being the first medal winner in the history of Jordan Abughaush said, “It’s an indescribable feeling to win the first medal in the history of Jordan in all the sports.”
Ahmad, who is also of Palestinian decent, is also aware of the significance of his win, not only for himself and those who helped train him, but for Jordanians everywhere.
His achievement has touched and inspired many with celebrations taking place all throughout Jordan and the Jordanian royal family calling to congratulate him on his historical win.
The win is one for Jordan as a whole. A country which first competed in the Olympics when they came to Moscow in 1980, Jordan has never sent more than 10 athletes to compete in the games. Ahmad was one of 8 sent to Rio and is leaving with a piece of history.
Written by Muslim Girl Staff Writer, Iqra Mehdi