CEDAR CITY, Utah - Thunderbird cross country and track and field athlete Ibrahim Ahmed will be paying very close attention to Olympic track and field competition this weekend, as his brother will be looking to looking to climb on the medal stand.
Mohammed Ahmed, who will be competing for Canada in Rio, and Ibrahim are brothers with several common bonds, but the love of running being a very important one for both of them.
Mohammed will be competing in both the 10,000-meter and the 5,000-meter.
“We've always had a close relationship, but I feel like once we both ran together it was just another thing for us to do and another avenue for us to connect,” Ibrahim said. “I feel like it's brought us closer and more than anything it's helped us keep in touch with each other, through race results and just checking up on each other.”
Earlier this summer Ibrahim and Mohammed competed in the same race at the Canadian Olympic Trials, as they both were part of the 5,000-meter race. Mohammed finished in first, while Ibrahim finished in 14th.
“It was fun, it was actually the first time we went head-to-head in a race,” Ibrahim said. “It was a unique experience. I've been able to enjoy his journey just through watching and spectating, but that was nice to join him on the warmup and cool down. I was there for my own race, but I couldn't help but appreciate the moment.”
This will not be Mohammed's first Olympic experience, as he competed in the 2012 Games in London, where he placed 18th in the 10,000-meter. He trains at the Bowerman Track Club in Portland, Oregon, with several other world class athletes.
“It's more of a business trip than it is a huge experience, where in London he took it all in and the valuable experience he gained there will hopefully help him have success at these games,” Ibrahim said.
Mohammed has also spent some time training in the altitude of Cedar City.
Ibrahim said watching his brother race stresses him out as much, if not more, than his own races do.
“It's a source of inspiration, but at the same time I get more nervous for his races than I do for my own,” he said. “Knowing his journey and knowing everything he sacrificed, it adds extra inspiration to watching him race. It's always a pleasure watching him race, and I'm glad to be part of the process.”
Ibrahim has had a lot of success competing for Southern Utah, including helping lead the team to a Big Sky title this past season and making multiple appearances at the NCAA National Championships. He said his brother has been there every step of the way.
“He always would keep track of how the team and I were doing, he's been a huge follower always sending good luck to me and Mike (Tate) and the entire team,” he said.
Ibrahim hails from Canada, putting him in the pool of other Canadian SUU current and former athletes that includes Cam Levins and Mike Tate. Ibrahim said there is a common theme that keeps some of Canada's top recruits coming to Southern Utah.
“It's the culture of the team and how coach Houle wants to bring in guys that have the same aspirations as he does, which is to be competitive on the national level,” Ibrahim said. “The tone coach Houle sets for the team of working hard and at the same time enjoying your college experience is important, and you can immediately see that when you come down for your visit. That's a huge part of why I came here, and I'm sure a big part of why Mike and Cam came here.”
Mohammed will compete in the 10,000 on Saturday and will compete in his 5,000 heat on August 17.
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