Moh Ahmed returns from a calf strain to race 5,000m and 10,000m at the World Championships in Tokyo, as Malindi Elmore withdraws with a foot injury.
Veteran Runner Targets Redemption
Canadian distance star Moh Ahmed will line up in both the 5,000 and 10,000 metres at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, aiming to end a six-year medal drought. The 34-year-old from St. Catharines, Ont., has spent the past five weeks recovering from a calf strain suffered at July’s national championships.
Training Through Setbacks
Ahmed pulled up 400 metres from the finish in Ottawa, later diagnosed with a strained left calf. Since then, he has undergone intensive rehab in Oregon, including manual therapy, dry needling, massage, and treadmill sessions designed to reduce impact while maintaining mileage. Coach Jerry Schumacher said Ahmed has returned to hard track workouts and “is rounding into good form.”
Experience Over Races
This will be Ahmed’s seventh world championships, though he enters with limited competition this season. His last completed race was more than a year ago at the Diamond League in Rome. Schumacher remains confident, noting Ahmed’s ability to peak without frequent racing: “He has vast experience at this level, and that gives him confidence.”
Medal Goals in Tokyo
Ahmed’s last world medal came in 2019 when he earned bronze in the 5,000m. He narrowly missed the podium at the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing fourth in the 10,000m despite a strong late surge. With Canada fielding one of its deepest track teams ever, Ahmed’s return could provide a major boost to the nation’s medal hopes.
Canadian Marathoner Sidelined
While Ahmed prepares for his double, fellow Canadian Malindi Elmore has withdrawn from the women’s marathon. The 45-year-old from Kelowna, B.C., has been sidelined with posterior tibial tendonitis in her right foot, cutting her training short. Elmore now plans to rebuild fitness for the Valencia Marathon in December.
Looking Ahead
Ahmed is expected to begin coaching with the Niagara Olympic Club after the championships, but he has not indicated any immediate plans to leave track competition. Meanwhile, Natasha Wodak will represent Canada in the women’s marathon in Tokyo. With Ahmed’s comeback and Canada’s strong roster, the championships promise high drama on the track from Sept. 13–21.
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