March 13th, 2017: Canadian University Dubai (CUD) graduate, Mohammed Kasim, has once again proved the power of determination, completing the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi following his incredible journey to lose 100kg in weight.
Kassim, who earned a Master of Business Administration with specializations in General Management and Finance, weighed almost 200kg when he graduated from the University for the second time in 2013. Following stark warnings from doctors about his health, he started out on a calories controlled diet and exercise regime, and now weighs in at a muscular 98kg.
The ITU Triathlon – a 1500m swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run – is the latest challenge Kasim has set himself as part of his remarkable transformation. Having confessed at one time to eat nine burgers in one sitting, his journey started when he joined Dubai gym Inner Fight to take up cross-fit, and he became part of the Intisaar project, a government initiative to promote healthy lifestyles for Emiratis.
It was when he was supporting a friend in the Dubai Ironman that he decided to set himself the next goal. “I’ve been running, cycling and swimming for two years and I decided now was the time to test myself”, said Kasim, who trains around 17 hours a week.
Having completed the Dubai Standard Chartered marathon a few weeks earlier, he joined a field of 3500 amateurs, along with some of the world’s top triathletes, to take on the gruelling challenge, which centred around Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island.
Having proved himself among a top-class field, Kasim already has his sights set on the next challenge, as he aims to take part in the Olympic distance event next year. In the meantime, his main aim is to inspire others to take their health and fitness seriously.
“I had accepted that I was obese, but then my knee collapsed and even after two surgeries things were only getting worse. It has been a long road to fitness but my sec ret is to keep focused and surround myself with supportive people. It has changed my life and I encourage anyone in the same situation to do the same. Nothing is impossible”, Kasim concluded.
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