- LONDON: Tami Al-Wasmi, a PhD sponsored Saudi student pursuing his degree in the United Kingdom, achieved a new world record in terms of distance and endurance when he covered 137 km on a wheelchair.
Al-Wasmi embarked on his journey from the city of Leeds and reached the finish line in the city of Hull.
His sole companion on the journey was a Saudi flag with a slogan that read: Nation, Soul, and Body.
Al-Wasmi was provided with mass encouragement and motivation from the residents of the British cities and villages he passed through to reach his end goal.
According to the International Federation of Sport for the Disabled, the distance he covered is considered a world record for people with a disability in Al-Wasmi's division.
He expressed happiness and gratitude over his achievement by thanking God and everyone that contributed to his success in his record bid.
He specifically thanked Saleh bin Ibrahim Al-Thgair, who personally funded Al-Wasmi's entire expedition.
Al-Wasmi stated: “I would like to dedicate this achievement to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, his Crown Prince, the royal family and the Saudi people. And I would also like to thank Prince Mohammed Bin Nawaf, Saudi ambassador to the UK, for his care to his children the Saudi students and in particular those with a disability. Last but not least
“I would like to thank the Saudi cultural attaché in the UK Dr. Ghazi Makki for his ongoing support for my academic path.”
