GAZA—Gaza weightlifter Mohammad Hamada says he is aiming to rank among the top ten when he makes history as the first Palestinian to compete in the sport at the Olympics that kicks off in Tokyo later this month.
The 19-year-old left Gaza several weeks ago to ensure he faces no issues travelling to the Games in which he secured his place after having participated in six international qualifying contests since 2019.
“When I get to Tokyo, I will do the impossible, and I will exert every effort to be distinctive,” Hamada told Reuters in Doha, in Qatar, where he trains five hours a day.
“I can’t describe my feeling to have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics.”
Last May, he plac…
Keep on reading: First Palestinian weightlifter at Olympics braced to make history