FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – After competing at the NCAA Track & Field West Regionals, Northern Arizona track & field athlete Adel al Nasser has been selected to the Saudi Arabia National Team and will compete in China at the Asia Athletics Championships as a member of the 4x400 relay team.

"It means a lot to me to represent my country," said Nasser with a smile on his face. "They helped me continue my running career here in the United States and to now go back and give back to my country feels really good."

al Nasser had a memorable senior season as he made a return to the Lumberjack squad; Nasser took home the gold medal in the Big Sky Indoor Championships in the 400m race and was a part of the 4x400 team that took home first place in the Big Sky Outdoor Championships. Nasser ended his senior campaign with a second place finish at the outdoor conference championships in the 400m and placed 40^th at the NCAA West Regionals in Austin, Texas.

"If it wasn't for NAU, I wouldn't be running and have the opportunity to represent Saudi Arabia," said al Nasser. "I really thank Coach Heins and Coach McDaniel for being patient with me through my injuries and helping me to continue my running career."

al Nasser is just one of many examples where former NAU Track & Field athletes have been selected to represent their country, something that NAU coaches strive for their student-athletes.

"It is always good for an athlete able to extend their career past college," said sprinters coach Kenny McDaniel. "Adel achieved great things at NAU and to finish his career at Northern Arizona on a high note is something special."

al Nasser landed in China on June 3 and will stay until June 7 as a member of Saudi Arabia.

"Adel gives hope to our younger athletes to show that with hard work and dedication, they too can continue their careers past college," said McDaniel.