Moh Ahmed has dedicated close to two decades to track competition, but he has always been fascinated by the camaraderie of cross-country running. During his junior year at the University of Wisconsin, a 19-year-old Ahmed played a pivotal role in helping the Badgers secure the 2011 NCAA title while earning All-American honors four times.
Ahmed, now 35, regards that NCAA title as the pinnacle of his career. In 2021, he made history by becoming Canada’s first Olympic 5,000-meter medalist with a silver at the Tokyo Games, following his world championship bronze two years prior. Despite being a five-time NCAA All-American in track and a Big Ten outdoor conference champion, Ahmed cherishes the memories of the 2011 season and the shared journey with his teammates.
Inducted into the University of Wisconsin Hall of Fame last September, Ahmed is gearing up for his next challenge, leading Canada in the men’s senior 10-kilometer race at the World Athletics Cross-Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida. Joining him on the starting line are Xavier Perras-Phaneuf, Santiago Gaitan, Matt Talbot, Evan Burke, and Philippe Morneau-Cartier.
At the national championships in London, Ontario, on Nov. 29, Ahmed clinched his first grass event title in the open men’s 10K. The top four athletes will contribute to their teams’ scores at the upcoming championships, where 20 countries have at least four participants.
Ahmed, upbeat about the upcoming race, emphasized the significance of competing alongside the next generation of Canadian athletes. He remains positive despite past injuries and setbacks, looking forward to a successful race in Tallahassee.
The World Athletics Cross-Country Championships in Tallahassee will showcase 485 athletes from 52 countries. The redesigned course will present various challenges, reflecting the terrain of Tallahassee and Florida. Ahmed, fresh from an altitude training camp, is prepared and eager to tackle the demanding competition.
Among his supporters is Foster Malleck, a middle-distance runner, who considers Ahmed his role model. Malleck will be part of Canada’s mixed-gender relay team, kicking off the competition before his indoor season. The relay race will set the tone for Malleck’s upcoming races, with his eyes set on a top-three finish.
As the event approaches, athletes like Ahmed and Malleck are ready to showcase their talents and strive for success on the challenging cross-country course in Tallahassee.
