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English under-23 champion battles to avoid deportation
Rabah Yousif, one of the most promising sprinters living in Britain, could be sent back to war-torn Sudan
ENGLAND Athletics under-23 400m champion Rabah Yousif could find out later this month whether he will be deported back to Sudan or whether his hopes of competing in next year’s Olympics for Britain remain alive.
The Newham & Essex Beagles athlete is the fourth quickest British-domiciled athlete this year with his time of 45.72 and would be a strong contender for a place in Britain’s team for Beijing if he could gain a passport in time.
Yousif, 20, has resided in Britain since 2002 and lives with his partner of three years and his 16-month-old child, but he faces a hearing on September 17 which could result in him being sent back to his home country.
Fearing for his life in the war-torn African nation, Yousif absconded in 2002 when he was in Britain with the Sudanese team attending a training camp ahead of the World Junior Championships in Jamaica.
The Teesside-based athlete was granted legal asylum until he was 18 but the asylum appeals process is now coming to an end.
Yousif does not want to elaborate on the problems he experienced in Sudan or expects if he has to return
to the country, but said: “It would be really hard.”
A petition has been set up locally and Yousif has received a letter of support from UK Athletics. He said: “I’ve been getting good support
and I appreciate it.”
Admittedly, even if the appeal goes in his favour, Yousif would face an uphill struggle gaining British citizenship in time for the Beijing Olympics, although he could be an asset to future teams. He last represented Sudan five years ago, so would satisfy the IAAF’s regulations on switching nations.
However, Yousif is focused on making the team for Beijing. “Next year is a big year and I need a fast time,” he said. “I can’t tell you how fast I will run but I know it’s got to be quick.”
The only British athletes to have run quicker over one lap this year are Tim Benjamin, Martyn Rooney and Andrew Steele. If he had been in possession of a British passport, he would surely have been selected to run the 4x400m relay in Osaka.
Yousif points out that all his races – which include two sub-46 second times – have been low-key affairs and he reckons he could have quicker in higher-calibre races.
He started in athletics as a high jumper and has long-jumped 7.61m.
Newham & Essex Beagles’ team manager, Bob Smith, praised Yousif’s commitment to the club. “He’s 100 per cent reliable. He’s a smashing lad and always available,” he said.
“He’s not an illegal immigrant, he arrived in this country legally and overstayed. He’s from Darfur and
I don’t think I need to say anymore. And if he does not remain in this country, he cannot return to Sudan.
“I think it’s the mark of a civilised country how well they look after people who are desperate.”
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