Rising athletics star, 14, with 'infectious smile' who held multiple records suddenly dies

Zulqarnain Haider, 14, competed for Keilor Little Athletics Club in Melbourne's northwest and represented his state on a national level, leaving a community in shock after his death

An Australian teen athletics star has left a community heartbroken after the "phenomenal sprinter" with an "infectious smile" shockingly died.

Zulqarnain Haider, 14, competed for Keilor Little Athletics Club in Melbourne's northwest and represented his state on a national level. There has been an outpouring of love on social media as tonnes of photos of him wearing medals and proudly holding trophies have flooded social media. "Zulq", as he was known to close friends and family, was an accomplished athlete for his age. Tributes have been pouring in for the much-loved teenager, but no cause of death has been revealed.

Little Athletics Victoria wrote on social media: "'[We are] shocked and saddened to learn of the recent and sudden passing of Keilor Little Athlete, Zulqarnain Haider. 'Zulq', to those who knew him, was an athlete with extraordinary ability. His athletic achievements in his very short life were possibly peerless. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Zulqarnain Haider was 14 years old. Rest in peace."

Melton City Little Athletics wrote: "In the wake of the tragic news about the untimely passing of Keilor Little Athletics athlete, Zulqarnain Haider, Melton City Little Athletics stands united in shock and sadness. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Zulq's family, friends, and the entire Keilor Little Athletics community." Another athletics group Coburg Little Athletics posted on social media: "Coburg would like to pass our sincere condolences to Zulq's family and friends. He was a joy to watch and many of our athletes stopped what they were doing whenever he ran. A phenomenal talent taken too soon."

Little Athletics NSW wrote: "Awful news. LANSW send our deepest condolences to the Haider family and the LAVIC community." Others in the community also posted their tributes to the track star. One person said: "He was a delight to watch, had a very bright future and he will be heavily missed in the athletics community. Had the privilege to watch him compete with my son and always in awe with how gifted and fast he was." Another wrote: "Condolences to his family. A wonderful talented athlete and an inspiration to watch. Taken too soon. Rest in peace."

In 2020, Zulqarnain made the top 10 boys for his club, "which isn't a surprise considering he broke the Keilor records for U11 boys in the 100m, long jump and the 200m twice!" the club wrote at the time. They continued: "What a remarkable season Zulqarnain and congratulations on being last seasons U11 boys champion."