Saturday August 3, 2024
Canada’s Moh Ahmed catches his breath after a grueling 10,000m race at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he finished fourth by a fraction of a second, narrowly missing a medal.
PARIS, France (HOL) — In a heart-pounding finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Canada's Moh Ahmed finished just shy of the podium in the men's 10,000 meters, securing a fourth-place finish with a time of 26:43.79. His remarkable time placed him less than a second behind gold medalist Joshua Cheptegei of Uganda, who set an Olympic record with his 26:43.14 finish.
With 300 meters to go, Ahmed began his final kick, pushing to secure a medal he narrowly missed three years ago in Tokyo. Despite his valiant effort, he crossed the line behind Ethiopia's Berihu Aregawi and the USA's Grant Fisher, who took silver and bronze in a tightly contested race.
"I thought I had some gears; I was cueing myself as hard as I could," Ahmed said post-race. "I think I executed that race really well; I just didn't have anything left in the last 50 (metres)."
The Somali-Candian runner's finish was the best ever by a Canadian in the Olympic 10,000m, improving on his sixth-place finish in Tokyo. Reflecting on his performance, Ahmed expressed no regrets, acknowledging the intense competition. "Honestly, I have no regrets," Ahmed stated. "I think I ran that really, really well."
The race was a master class in team tactics by the Ethiopian runners, who set a relentless pace. However, Cheptegei's strategic timing and powerful surge in the final laps secured him the gold, reaffirming his status as the world's best.
At 33, Ahmed's journey has been marked by resilience and determination. Born in Somalia and raised in St. Catharines, Ontario, Ahmed trains with the Bowerman Track Club in the United States. He came into the Olympics ranked fifth globally, having overcome a hamstring injury earlier in the year to qualify.
Ahmed's focus now shifts to the 5,000 meters, where he will aim to replicate his success in Tokyo, where he won silver. "A Palestinian poet said, 'There is no tomorrow in yesterday, so let us advance,' and that's what I'm trying to do," Ahmed said, looking ahead to his next challenge.
Canada's Olympic campaign continues to be a success, boasting 11 medals so far, including three golds. Fans from Canada and Somalia eagerly await Ahmed's next performance at the 5000m.
Mohammed Ahmed of Team Canada competes during the Men's 10,000m Final on day seven of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France. Credit: Matthias Schrader (AP)