Sunday March 24, 2024
Abdullahi Jama Mohamed made history on Friday night at the African Games in Ghana, clinching a silver medal in the competitive men's 5000m final, marking Somalia's first medal on the global stage in over 35 years.
Competing against a strong field, Mohamed finished with an impressive time of 13:38.64, narrowly behind Ethiopia's Gebrhiwet Berhe, who took the gold with a time of 13:38.12.Abdullahi, who was the sole representative from Somalia in the event hosted in Ghana, showcased an inspiring level of dedication.
In a stark revelation, it was disclosed that Abdullahi had to cover his own travel expenses to the championships after the Somalia Athletics Federation was unable to fund his ticket, adding a poignant layer to his victory.
In the women's category, Ethiopia demonstrated its dominance with a hat-trick of victories.
Eisa Kumanda Medina clinched the gold with a remarkable time of 15mn04s32, leading a sweep for Ethiopia as she finished ahead of compatriots Kesete Birtukan Molla and Shaarew Melkat Wudu, who secured second and third places, respectively.