Superstar high-jumper Mutaz Barshim has become the first Qatari to be named Athlete of the Year by Esquire Middle East magazine.

The awards were presented to some 19 people who were lauded not only for their accomplishments, but also their ability to inspire society, sponsor Red Bull said in a statement.

The 25-year-old won Qatar’s first silver medal at the Rio Olympics this summer after jumping 2.36m.

Barshim previously took bronze in the London Olympics four years ago by jumping 2.29m, and gold at the 2014 World Indoor Championships.

In a statement, he said:

“Awards are like a fuel to me. The more I win the more it drives me towards achieving higher… I’ve been though a lot and getting this far has not been easy, but these encounters and events have definitely made me who I am today.”

He also added some advice to young aspiring athletes:

“Train wisely and keep in mind three important points: Victory is the result of hard work, dedication and patience. There are no shortcuts.”

Congrats! Thoughts?