My name is Samir Yousuf, and I am the Founder and Executive Director of Athletics Academy. I grew up in London, where track and field was a major part of my life from a very young age. Sprinting became my passion, and I started out in the 100m and 200m before transitioning to the 400m. My personal highlight was representing New Zealand at the Oceania Masters Games in 2008—it was an incredible privilege to wear my country’s colours and compete alongside Track & Field legends.

In the 1990s, Michael Johnson was a huge inspiration for me. His unconventional approach to running posture and technique challenged the norms, and his commitment was undeniable. He inspired me to push beyond boundaries, not just in terms of speed but in thinking differently about the sport. Michael’s focus on the mental and physical side of performance resonated deeply with me and continues to shape the way we approach coaching and mentoring our young athletes at Athletics Academy.

Athletics demands unwavering determination, relentless grit, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence. When combined with a true passion for the sport, these values form the foundation of everything we do at Athletics Academy. Since 2015, I have been committed to instilling these values through my incredible coaching team, who work with almost 400 athletes across four locations in Abu Dhabi. I handpick the very best coaches in the UAE in terms of knowledge, skill set, and most importantly, strong pastoral care. It is through their inspiration and dedication that our athletes at Athletics Academy continue to thrive in Track & Field, Triathlon, Middle Distance Running, and Sprint Training.

If you’re ready to challenge yourself, push beyond limits, and embrace these values, then join us and see what you’re truly capable of. Have you got what it takes?