YARS Airman wins international track, field award Published July 11, 2010 By Senior Airman Brenda Haines 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- A Youngstown Air Reserve Station Airman won first place in the men's 400-meter at AirNorth, the Allied Command Headquarters Track and Field Championships at Royal Air Force Cosford, United Kingdom June 1-3. Tech. Sgt. Khalid Mulazim, a budget noncommissioned officer with the 910th Airlift Wing Financial Management office, was selected as part of the Air Force Sports Program (AFSP), which allows Airmen to participate in national and international competitions in 15 sports. Through the AFSP, United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) annually recruits top athletes stationed in Europe and the continental U.S. to represent the Air Force and USAFE in this international meet. In addition to the 400-meter, Sergeant Mulazim won third place in the 200-meter and 4x100. The team competed against teams from England, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Poland. "Competing (at AirNorth) was a good opportunity for me," said Sergeant Mulazim. "I am proud to have represented the Air Force Reserve and the Youngstown Air Reserve Station. I have been trying to join the team since 2006." According to 910th Fitness Center Director Kevin Hyman, each base fitness center is responsible for submitting interested athlete's packets up to higher headquarters. "My job was merely to make sure he met the required standards," said Mr. Hyman. "For me, it's a fun thing I get to do as part of my job." Sergeant Mulazim, age 44 and a native of Cleveland, began competing in track and field events eight years ago. "I didn't compete in track and field events in high school or college," he said. "I started running for exercise, so I joined a club. The other members noticed that I was always out in front of the pack. They suggested I begin competing, so I jumped into a race and won." Since that win, Sergeant Mulazim has competed in and won many distance and sprint events. He said competing at AirNorth was an important accomplishment. "In addition to the esprit du corps, the purpose of the (Allied Command Headquarters Track and Field Championships) is to vet out athletes to go on to higher levels, ultimately, the Olympics," said Mr. Hyman. Sergeant Mulazim said he plans to continue competing and is currently preparing for an upcoming meet in California. "I will continue to be highly fit with or without competing," said Mulazim. "Being physically fit can add years to your life and help reduce stress. My advice to fellow Airmen is to just do it. Running is fun and it keeps you fit for life."