Olympians Inspire Students at Doha College with Athletics Masterclass
Doha College had the distinct honour of welcoming three Olympians—Hamish Kerr, Donald Thomas, and Zoe Hobbs—to its campus last week. In Qatar for the renowned Diamond League, the athletes visited the college to lead a special Q&A session and an athletics masterclass with students.
Learning from the Best
The afternoon began with an interactive session led by sprinter Zoe Hobbs, who offered students insight into her training methods, the importance of structured warm-ups, and the focus required to compete on the world stage. Her session provided valuable takeaways for students about preparation, mindset, and the discipline behind athletic performance.
Following this, high-jump specialists Hamish Kerr and Donald Thomas hosted a dynamic workshop on high jump techniques. Students were introduced to the core elements of the event—from approach and take-off to flight and landing—through both demonstrations and hands-on participation. The session was as informative as it was inspiring, giving students a real sense of the sport's technical and physical demands.
A Legacy of Sporting Achievement
Athletic excellence is woven into the fabric of Doha College’s history. One of the school’s most notable alumni is Nada Arakji, who made history as Qatar’s first female Olympic swimmer. Her achievements on the international stage are more than a personal triumph—they reflect the supportive environment, expert guidance, and growth-focused ethos that Doha College provides to all its students.
Nada’s journey from student-athlete to Olympian highlights the college’s longstanding commitment to identifying and nurturing sporting potential. More importantly, it illustrates the values Doha College instils in its learners: determination, resilience, ambition, and a commitment to personal excellence. Stories like Nada’s continue to inspire current students to set bold goals and pursue them with confidence.
Supporting the Whole Child
Doha College's approach to education is grounded in a belief in developing the whole child. With an emphasis on academic rigour, personal development, and global citizenship, the college offers a rich and varied learning environment. Its recognition in the Spear’s Schools Index, praise from Carfax Education, and a successful BSO inspection affirm its standing as one of the leading British international schools in the world.
Bringing students into contact with role models from the world of sport supports this vision, offering inspiration, broadening perspectives, and reinforcing essential values such as perseverance, focus, and teamwork.
Doha College continues to invest in experiences that inspire and challenge students beyond the classroom. The visit by Hamish Kerr, Donald Thomas, and Zoe Hobbs offered a unique opportunity to learn from top-tier athletes and served as a reminder of the possibilities open to students when they are supported to explore their full potential.
