DOHA: In a country where sports play a key role in development, Qatar Foundation’s Creating Pathways is carving a unique space for aspiring female athletes.
The initiative currently focuses on track and field, volleyball, and fencing – with two additional sports to follow. More than just a sports programme, it’s a movement promoting healthier lifestyles, talent development, and structured athletic progression for young girls and women in Qatar.
The track and field Creating Pathways programme, which launched in September 2024, begins at the grassroots level, ensuring that girls from an early age have access to structured, high-quality coaching.
The initiative places qualified coaches in after-school programmes across all Qatar Foundation (QF) schools, with hopes of expanding into additional schools in the future. The objective is simple: create an accessible and structured track and field programme where girls can develop their athletic abilities.
In these school programmes, talent identification plays a crucial role. Girls aged 10-16 who demonstrate athletic potential are selected for an elite programme which runs five days a week, and includes sports such as distance running, long jump, and high jump. Currently, this includes 25 young athletes.
The programme is led by Olympic medalist Liz McColgan, QF’s Director of Athletics, who explains that the initiative takes a holistic approach. “Participants in the elite group receive mentorship, nutritional guidance, physiology education, and lifestyle coaching,” she says. “They are provided with uniforms, running shoes, and transport if needed. “Our goal is to create a supportive and healthy environment for them to excel in sport.” Hessa Al Mahmoud, a 15-year-old from Qatar, has been running for nearly five months, joining the programme as a newcomer to track and field.
“I saw results very quickly,” she said. “I also get to socialise with people from different countries. I enjoy running, and I want to continue.” Training five times a week, Al Mahmoud follows a varied routine: “We focus on high jump, long jump, circuit training with weights, and distance running,” she says.
“We also do sprints across all distances. I really like the jumps and hurdles because they’re new to me, and I’m learning so much.”
The programme has had a significant impact on her life. “I definitely feel fitter. I eat more, and I wake up in the morning feeling fresher. It’s a better lifestyle.”
Shadan Mohammed is 14 years old and has been running for over a year, inspired by her father’s passion for sports and his belief in her potential in track and field. Reflecting on the programme, she said: “I love how we’re all teammates. And my coaches are really supportive. If I ever have a problem, I know I can go to them – I feel comfortable.”
She also explained how familiar faces made her transition easier, saying: “I already knew some of my teammates before joining because we trained together on my old team.” When it comes to training, one thing she particularly enjoys is the long jump. “I’ve only done a few sessions, but after seeing others try it, I thought it looked like a lot of fun. But my best events are the 800m and 1.5km.”
Looking ahead, Mohammed has ambitious goals. “I want to compete in the Olympics - and be the best. I’d love to set a world record. It will take a lot of work, but I’m excited to stay in this programme and keep pushing myself.”
