Life for decathlete id=Fadel_Ashraf_mtrk&sport=mtrk" target=_new> --> Ashraf Fadel has been a traveling and learning experience.

Fadel's father, Abbas, immigrated from Egypt where he was a three-time Olympian in fencing. His mother, Ellen, grew up in the United States with an Irish Catholic background.

The Fadels live in Oconomowoc, Wis., and Ashraf attended Milwaukee Marquette High School. As a practicing Muslim, Ashraf saw a different side of life at a Catholic high school.

Ashraf, who speaks a little Arabic, spent his semester-break vacation with his family in Egypt visiting his father's family.

After returning from vacation, Ashraf went on to win the 2004 Big Ten Conference Indoor title in the heptathlon. He set the UW record with 5,549 points. Ashraf also qualified for the NCAA Indoor Championships in the heptathlon where he finished eighth to earn All-America honors.

Fadel is a fifth-year senior majoring in nursing at the UW.