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Bahrain's golden girl Ruqaya Al Ghasara, who shocked sport fans when she retired from competitive running late last year, is hoping to inspire the next generation of record-breakers.
She is passing the knowledge and experience she gained competing at the highest level to young athletes involved in the Bahrain Athletic Association's Youth Programme.
The 28-year-old multi-titled sprinter was one of the first women to represent Bahrain at the Olympic Games by taking part in the women's 100 metres sprint at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.
She found international fame for competing fully covered in a hijab in respect of her culture which caused controversy throughout the sporting world.
Ruqaya now works alongside the association's technical director Lounes Madene as his assistant based at the Bahrain National Staduim in Riffa.
She said: "I have been involved with the association and the youth programme committee for such a long time that when I retired I couldn't just leave them behind.
"I am thankful to them for helping me advance in my sporting career and I simply wanted to give something back to the sport and the organisation and support the young athletes taken under its wing.
"Although I am not partaking in sport as I did before, I feel like I am still helping in my own way by supervising the girls, looking for new talent and helping with administrative duties.
"I can act as the 'middle man' between the athletes, coaches and the management."
In 2008, Ruqaya won gold in the 60 metre race at the Asian Indoor Championships in Doha, setting a new championship record with a time of 7.40 seconds. She qualified to compete in the 100 metre and 200 metre events at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, but only competed in the 200 metre race where she reached the semi-finals. She was the country's flagbearer at the Games' opening ceremony.
Ruqaya's duties now include assisting athletes, coaches and organising tournaments locally and internationally.
She also visits local schools with Khalid Mubarak Al Doseri, head of the Youth Programme Committee hoping to spot the next gold medal winner.
She explained: "After conducting a few tests we hand-pick the children with potential. These are teens that need to be moulded and guided. We teach them team work and discipline and allow them the opportunity to fall in love with the sport."
Bahrain Athletic Association president Shaikh Talal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa takes pride in the youth programme and recognised all the hard work that Ruqaya has been devoting to the cause.
He said: "We invest in the athletes' training programmes and make sure they compete regularly. We do not believe in burning out our athletes which is why we started training them gradually at a young age so that they can become champions at the senior level. Slow and steady wins the race!
"We are always looking out for young athletes with potential who would like to compete for the kingdom.
"I tend to find Ruqaya has a lot of young followers as they are inspired by her abilities and want to be like her."
Ruqaya believes that encouraging young athletes and training with them boosts their confidence.
Bahrain's Olympian Ruqaya said: "The young girls in the programme usually approach me wanting tips on how to excel on the track and it's heartening to hear that they believe I help inspire them.
"To see more women in sports is a massive achievement for us in Bahrain and I love the fact that more females are taking part and can feel they have a future in taking sport seriously.
"I tend to be by their side encouraging them and helping them train. You need to show support."
Successful young Bahrainis can receive help with their education and coaching.
Fatima Ammer Fahad Al Dosari, 18, from Isa Town, has dreams of becoming a champion like Ruqaya. She said: "I take part in the 100m-200m sprints and hope to one day become a champion like Ruqaya."
Fatin Abdul Nabi Jassim, 25, from Budaiaya, trains alongside Fatima. She said: "I am a senior 100m-200m sprinter in the national team and was recruited during my school days. The association cares for our well being and progression. I find Ruqaya is an inspiration."
Ruqaya retired in December 9, 2009, due to concerns about her health and after undergoing a series of medical tests in Bahrain and Germany she was advised to take time off from competing.
However, she feels happier than ever and says she has an 'open mind' about one day returning to the circuit.
