Taking part in the Lebanese Federation of University Sports (FSUL) National Athletics Championship, LAU varsity teams carried off 11 out of 21 gold medals, winning the first titles for both men and women across all categories, and securing a second spot for LAU as the best university for athletics nationwide for the 2022-2023 season.

Track and field athlete Tamer Saleh also scored the highest points at the tournament, qualifying for the World University Games (Universiade) which will take place in Chengdu, China this month. His fellow track and field varsity team member, Lea Deeb was announced the top gold medalist with four awards.

The LAU track and field team has much to celebrate this year, as it marks a decade since its launch in 2013. It is coached by alumna Aziza Sbaity (BS ’12) and LAU Lead Athletics Coordinator Mohamad Mawas.

“Watching this team grow to new heights and win all there is to be won has been a dream come true,” said Mawas. “Success is truly earned, and that is the value we try to instill in our student athletes. This is who we are,” he added.

For Sbaity, the wins represent one way to give back to her alma mater. “It was a remarkable culmination of a truly enjoyable season,” she said.

The FSUL championship results also included first-place wins for both Women Sailors and Men’s Captains, as well as a third-place spot for Men’s Sailors in the 3x3 Basketball Cup tournament.

The Tennis Cup featured a first-place win by Mael Pouce and Aya Kalai in the Mixed Doubles game, while Kalai snatched second place in the Ladies Singles. Her teammate, Omar Masri, also came second in the Men Singles game.