Friday August 2, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — Mohammed Ahmed, Canada's most decorated long-distance runner, takes to the track on Friday in the Men's 10,000m final at the Paris Olympics, carrying the hopes of two nations as he seeks to add another historic achievement to his illustrious career.
Ahmed, nicknamed "Mohspeed," is Canada's most successful long-distance runner. In February, he clocked an impressive 26:53.01 at the Sound Running TheTEN meet in California, securing the second-fastest 10,000m time of his career. This performance solidified his place at the Olympics and demonstrated his readiness to compete at the highest level.
Earlier this year, an injury forced Ahmed to pull out of the Houston Half Marathon, but his subsequent comeback has been nothing short of extraordinary. His roots in Mogadishu, Somalia, and his upbringing in Canada give his Olympic participation deep meaning, motivating aspiring athletes from both nations.
Ahmed's early life was marked by similar challenges faced by Somali refugees. He was born in Mogadishu, Somalia, during a time of civil unrest. His family fled to Kenya when he was a young child, and he spent the first ten years of his life there before moving to St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada in 2001. The transition to Canada was difficult, as Ahmed overcame language barriers and adapted to a new culture. He arrived without formal education and couldn't speak English, but he quickly immersed himself in his new environment.
His mother, who worked multiple jobs to support Ahmed and his two brothers, taught him the values of hard work and perseverance. Watching her dedication profoundly impacted him, instilling a strong work ethic that he carries with him to this day. Ahmed also found solace and a sense of purpose in sports, which became a central part of his life. At the age of 13, he began running track, and by 16, he had become the Ontario high school cross-country champion. He made his Olympic debut at 21 in London.
Ahmed's success can be attributed to his dedicated mindset and the influence of key figures in his life. His coach, Alex Acs, who he met in high school, played a major role in his development as an athlete. Acs not only provided him with proper running shoes but also gave him a pair of socks in the school colours, which Ahmed considers his lucky talisman. He carries these socks with him to every race as a reminder of his journey and the support he has received.
Throughout his career, Ahmed has faced significant challenges, including racial profiling and harassment due to his Muslim name and Somali heritage. These experiences have been particularly difficult when travelling for competitions, leading to missed events like the Doha Diamond League due to airport screening delays. Despite these obstacles, he emphasizes patience—a virtue instilled by his mother and reinforced through his running—as essential to overcoming such hurdles.
Ahmed has already made history by becoming the first Canadian to medal in the 5000 meters at both the World Championships (bronze in 2019) and the Olympic Games (silver in 2021). Friday's race offers him the chance to further cement his legacy in the annals of Olympic history like his athletics hero Mo Farah.
The anticipation for the race in Paris is palpable, with fans from Canada and Somalis around the world eagerly awaiting the race. Ahmed's journey, marked by determination, skill, and resilience, resonates deeply with many, making him a celebrated figure in the sports community. His impact on the Canadian and Somali communities is profound, fostering a sense of pride and connection among his admirers.
The race is set to take place at 3:20 PM EST (9:20 PM Paris Time)
