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 last weekend aged 14 has broken his silence as it was revealed the teenager had aspirations to compete in the Olympics.

Zulqarnain Haider was a star athlete at Keilor Little Athletics Club in Melbourne's northwest and represented his state at national level.

The promising runner, affectionately known as 'Zulq', was a Victorian sprint record holder and had won several gold medals at state championships.

But now the Victorian athletics community is in mourning after learning of the teenager's unexpected death last weekend.

On Thursday, his grieving father Hussain expressed his gratitude to all his loved ones for their support.

“I am grateful to all my friends and family members who supported me through the sudden death of my son and for the calls and messages during this difficult time,” he wrote on Facebook.

'May Allah Almighty keep you all in His protection. Amen.'

Zulq, the second eldest of four children, moved to Australia ten years ago from his hometown of Parachinar, in northern Pakistan.

His family is closely involved with the club, of which his brothers and sisters are also members.

As Zulq's medal collection continued to grow Down Under in recent years, he was widely celebrated in Pakistan. Residents of Parachinar regularly celebrate his sporting prowess in supportive posts online.

The teen's father is also one of his biggest fans. He regularly uploads photos and videos to social media, highlighting his son's sporting successes.

The devastating news was announced by Keilor Little Athletics earlier this week, with the club remembering the 'incredible' athlete as 'warm', 'determined' and an inspiration to all.

Tributes and photos of Zulqarnain posing with medals and trophies have since flooded social media, as the close-knit community shared memories of the late athlete.

A woman revealed that Zulq dreamed of one day representing his country in the Olympics.

“He was such a humble competitor with so much talent,” she said.

“I got his signature with the state [championships] a year, because I told him he would one day participate in the Olympics.

'He laughed and said, “I hope so!”.

Others recalled how Zulq's athleticism made the arena quiet as everyone stopped to watch him tear down the track.

“Zulq was one of those athletes who made you stop and look,” said one.

“He kept us busy every week at Keilor and broke records in multiple events. I've never seen an end of season plaque with so many line items!

'An individual with a gift and a lot of talent, taken far too soon.'

Another said: 'I will never forget Zulq's kindness and generosity towards the young children at Keilor Little Athletics, he always had time for them.. and [I’ll never forget] the silence that fell over the track as Zulq raced.

“We had the privilege of watching him run and meeting him in his short but beautiful life.”

Local clubs in Melbourne also shared tributes to the 'brilliant athlete'.

“In the wake of the tragic news of the untimely passing of Keilor Little Athletics athlete Zulqarnain Haider, Melton City Little Athletics is united in shock and sadness,” Melton City Little Athletics wrote.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Zulq's family, friends and the entire Keilor Little Athletics community.”

Coburg Little Athletics wrote: 'Coburg would like to express our sincere condolences to Zulq's family and friends. He was a joy to watch and many of our athletes stopped what they were doing when he ran. A phenomenal talent taken too soon.'

In 2020, Keilor Little Athletics published a post about Zulqarnain's achievements.

'Zulqarnain made the top 10 boys for centre, which is no surprise considering he broke the Keilor records for U11 boys in the 100m, long jump and 200m twice!' the club wrote in September.

'What a remarkable season Zulqarnain and congratulations on becoming U11 boys champions last season.'