By Matthew J. Williams
Thirty-eight-year-old wellsite geologist once trained with the Saudi Olympic team.
Hisham A. Faqehi, a 38-year-old exploration petrophysicist, stretches before a race. Last year’s “man of speed” did not disappoint with a sub-12 second qualifying time in the 100-meter race.
The Community Championships saw the return of “the fastest man in Aramco” as the 100-meter race came to Dhahran in February.
This year, more than 1,500 participants of all ages competed across the company’s communities in 50 meter and 100 meter races to see who will make the finals.
Hisham A. Faqehi, a 38-year-old exploration petrophysicist, who was dubbed last year’s “man of speed,” did not disappoint on his return to the 100 m event with an effortless sub-12 second qualifying time that secured his place as the fastest runner in the competition.
His 7-year-old son, Aws, also took part in an event — recording an impressive 10.75 seconds in the 50 meters.
Who is the ‘fastest man in Aramco’?
Faqehi, who joined Aramco in 2010 as a wellsite geologist, said his passion for running started 18 years ago when he was at university, where he represented his school in the 100 meters and 200 meters.
“One summer, I was lucky enough to train with the first Saudi Olympic team, where I was fortunate enough to meet my idol — the first Saudi silver medalist in the 400-meter hurdles (at the 2000 Sydney Games), Hadi Souan,” he said.
“He was iconic and inspirational to me in a not-so-popular sport and I’ve carried this enthusiasm since then.
“The 100-meter race, for me, is the most prestigious event. The sound of the gun at the starting line and the explosion of sprinting in a glance of an eye is so fascinating, and it just so happened that I enjoyed it, too.”
The Community Championships has ignited the dreams of young and older Aramcons alike.
The Community Championships
The Community Championships is a great opportunity for young athletes and helps ignite people’s passion for different sports.
In Dhahran alone, more than 2,000 participants took place in the adult football and padel competitions this year.
There was also an incredible amount of energy and excitement in the 100-meter race, with the finals in the Dhahran community set to take place on Sunday, March 5, at the Third Street track.
A live DJ will also be at the event that will crown the fastest runners in the company from K1 ages all the way through to the adults.
— The Arabian Sun: February 15, 2023