Story: Nicole Chalmers
Rising athletics star, Essa Ahmed, has recently received recognition from the Young People’s awards on the 25th February at Sheffield Hallam University. Attending the ceremony he received a special achievement award for sport as well as for the progress he has made in other areas.
This talented young man, who also competes in boxing and football, completed the 800 meters in a spectacular 1.59 minutes, gaining a new personal best at the North of England Indoor Championship and taking gold in the final. No longer competing in the under 15s but now in the under 17s, Essa is still at the top of his game.
We last interviewed Essa in April 2012 when he took gold at the Birmingham finals. Since this last interview Essa has increased his passion for the sport. He is now training two hours, four days a week, preparing for another competition in Birmingham where he hopes to repeat his success. As well as athletics Essa is going to Portugal in June to play football with local team Tusaale United. It’s a great achievement in the 3 years since Essa’s family moved to Sheffield.
“For the future my plans are to run, to make money but also to make my family happy and proud of what I achieve.”
Mulki Galal, English Language Development Teacher and mentor at Fir Vale School told us:
“He is a talented young man with a lot of energy; he is someone who welcomes support and listens well, as well as being a positive role model to his peers and the Somali community.”
Mulki shone with pride as she talked about Essa’s achievements. Fir Vale School wholeheartedly believes in him and his prospects for future success, and has supported him with the costs of athletics kit. Essa is also getting support from local resident, Muktar Mohammed, who has himself been an athletics champion and is a great role model.