Moh Ahmed has been engaging in an intensive rehabilitation program over the past five weeks, according to his coach, in preparation for his participation in two events at the seventh World Athletics Championships.
During the men’s 5,000 final at the Canadian track and field championships in Ottawa on July 31, the experienced distance runner had to stop about 400 meters from the finish line due to a left calf injury. After a diagnosis, it was confirmed that Ahmed suffered a strained calf muscle, as shown by ultrasound results.
The treatment regimen, conducted in Oregon where he resides and trains with Nike’s Swoosh Track Club, included manual therapy, dry needling, and massages three to four times weekly. Additionally, a progressive loading protocol was implemented, gradually increasing the physical demands on the injured tissues through pain-free exercises.
To maintain his fitness level, Ahmed engaged in cross-training activities and utilized a Boost microgravity treadmill to increase his running mileage with reduced impact. Jerry Schumacher, the head coach of Swoosh’s training center in Eugene, praised the therapy team for effectively managing Ahmed’s injury, allowing him to progress with hard track workouts and regain good form.
Despite the setback, 34-year-old Ahmed is set to compete in both the 5,000 and 10,000 events at the upcoming world championships in Tokyo. Schumacher emphasized Ahmed’s self-awareness of his body, trusting his judgment in determining his optimal competition schedule given his vast experience at this stage of his career.
Having faced back spasms and adductor issues earlier in the year, Ahmed’s sole race this season was in Ottawa. Looking ahead to Tokyo, where he will compete against athletes with a busy 2025 race schedule, Ahmed aims to secure his first world championship medal since winning bronze in the 5,000 in 2019.
While the preparation leading to the championships may not have followed an ideal script, Schumacher expressed confidence in Ahmed’s ability to perform well without requiring extensive race experience. Ahmed’s potential transition to road racing was briefly discussed earlier in the year but is currently on hold as he continues to enjoy track competition.
Following the world championships, Ahmed plans to start coaching at the Niagara Olympic Club in his hometown, St. Catharines, where he began his running journey over two decades ago. In a separate development, marathoner Malindi Elmore had to withdraw from her world championship debut due to a foot injury, highlighting the challenges faced by athletes in maintaining peak performance.
