Tragic new details emerge about Zulqarnain Haider – rising young Aussie athletics star – who suddenly died aged 14
EXCLUSIVE
The devastated father of a talented sprinter who died suddenly at the weekend aged 14 has broken his silence – it was revealed the teenage boy had dreamed of competing in the Olympics.
Zulqarnain Haider was a star athlete at Keillor Little Athletics Club in north-west Melbourne and represented his state at national level.
The promising runner, affectionately known as “Zulk”, was a Victorian state sprint record holder and won several gold medals at the state championships.
But the Victorian sporting community is now in mourning after learning the teenager died unexpectedly over the weekend.
On Thursday, his grieving father Hussein expressed gratitude to all his loved ones for their support.
“I am grateful to all my friends and family who supported me during the sudden death of my son, as well as for the phone calls and messages during this difficult time,” he wrote on Facebook.
Talented sprinter Zulqarnain Haider, 14 (pictured), tragically died over the weekend.
“May Allah Almighty keep you all under his protection. Amen.’
Zulk, the second eldest of four children, moved to Australia ten years ago from his hometown of Parachinar in northern Pakistan.
His family is actively involved in the club, of which his brothers and sisters are also members.
In recent years, as Zulq’s medal collection continued to grow, he was widely celebrated in Pakistan. Residents of Parachinar regularly celebrate his sporting achievements in supportive posts online.
The teenager’s father is also one of his biggest fans, often posting photos and videos on social media highlighting his son’s athletic success.
The devastating news was announced earlier this week by Keilor Little Athletics, with the club remembering the “incredible” athlete as “warm”, “determined” and an inspiration to everyone.
Tributes and photographs of Zulqarnain posing with medals and trophies have since flooded social media as a close-knit community shared memories of the late athlete.
One woman said Zulk dreamed of one day representing his country at the Olympics.
“He was such a humble competitor and such a great talent,” she said.
“I got his autograph one time at the state championship because I told him he would be in the Olympics one day.
“He laughed and said, ‘I hope so!’
Others recalled how Zulk’s athletic ability silenced the arena as everyone stopped to watch him destroy the racetrack.
“Zulk was one of those athletes that made you stop and watch,” one person said.
“He kept us busy at Keillor every week, breaking records at several events. I’ve never seen an end of season record board with so many lines!
“A man with a gift and enormous talent was taken away too early.”
Another said: “I will never forget Zulk’s kindness and generosity towards the little kids from Keilor Little Athletics, he always had time for them… and (I will never forget) the silence that reigned on the track whenever Zulk competed racing.
“We were privileged to see him run and meet him in his short but colorful life.”
Keillor Little Athletics thanked other clubs across Australia for their support and hoped the kind words would bring comfort to Zulqarnain’s family.
Zulk was remembered as a “warm” and “determined” athlete, talented but incredibly humble and kind to others.
Local Melbourne clubs also paid tribute to the “brilliant athlete”.
“Following the tragic news of the untimely death of Keillor Little Athletics athlete Zulqarnain Haider, the Melton City Little Athletics team is united in shock and sadness,” Melton City Little Athletics wrote.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Zulk’s family, friends and the entire Keilor Little Athletics community.”
Coburg Little Athletics wrote: “Coburg would like to convey our sincere condolences to Zulk’s family and friends. He was a joy to watch and many of our athletes stopped what they were doing whenever he ran. A phenomenal talent who was taken too early.”
In 2020, Keilor Little Athletics published a message praising Zulqarnain’s achievements.
“Zulqarnain was placed in the center’s top 10 boys, which is not surprising considering he twice broke Keillor’s under 11 boys’ records in the 100m, long jump and 200m!” the club wrote in September.
“What a great season Zulqarnain and congratulations on being crowned last season’s under-11 champion.”