Welcome to a behind-the-scenes look at the life of Mariam Abdul-Rashid, an elite sprint hurdler representing Team Canada and the Huskies in the Canadian Track and Field League. Mariam's journey is a testament to dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of Olympic dreams.

Recently coming off of the World Athletics Indoor Championships where she placed 9th and ran a new personal best of 7.99 (twice!) in the prelims and semis - which is now the fastest Canadian time in over seven years - Mariam is training to get ready for the outdoor season with the Paris Olympic Games in the horizon.

A Day in the Life: Training and Preparation

Mariam's day starts with an 10am training session ahead of her upcoming race weekend. As she gears up for the 60m hurdles and sprints, Mariam shares insights into her training regimen, balancing intensity with recovery to stay at the top of her game. In this workout, she is doing six 60m form runs, which are run at about 75% with a focus on her technique, form, and comfort. She then has some light plyometric drills and bounding drills to keep her legs snappy.

From Texas to Canada: A Journey to Division 1

A proud alumna of the University of Texas at Austin, Mariam reflects on her initial reluctance to move to Texas and her eventual love for the vibrant city of Austin. Her journey from Oshawa to Texas to compete in NCAA Division 1 is a testament to embracing new experiences and challenging preconceptions. Within her four years at Texas, Mariam developed her career to set her up for a successful post-collegiate career.

Training Insights and Rituals

With a water bottle that sticks to her hand (thanks to a new lid), Mariam shares her pre-race rituals, from favorite songs by Beyoncé to the perfect pre-race meal of oatmeal with fruit and peanut butter. Post-race, she reminisces about the simple joys of hot dogs after track meets, a nod to her early days on the York track. 

Training Philosophy and High School Memories

Reflecting on her high school days, Mariam shares insights into her training routine and the role of other sports, such as soccer, in shaping her athletic abilities. Training with her local club - The Speed Academy, which has produced numerous standout athletes such as Andre DeGrasse, Christopher Morales-Williams, and more. Now, as an elite post-collegiate athlete, she emphasizes the importance of balance and recovery, taking Sundays off to recharge for the week ahead. Here is a breakdown of her typical training week:

Monday: Heavy Speed Day.

Tuesday: Light Day.

Wednesday: Speed/Speed Endurance

Thursday: OFF/Light Day.

Friday: Hard Track Session.

Saturday: Technical Day or Race.

Sunday: OFF, always.

Community and Camaraderie

From emotional support (shoutout to the Guelph ladies) to friendly banter with fellow athletes, Mariam cherishes the camaraderie of the track and field community. Whether it's matching up with potential rivals in the combine or sharing a laugh during training, Mariam's infectious energy uplifts those around her.

As Mariam wraps up her training session, she expresses gratitude to her coach, teammates, and supporters who have been with her every step of the way. With eyes set on the Paris Olympics and beyond, Mariam Abdul-Rashid is not just a sprint hurdler – she's a champion in the making.

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Mariam Abdul-Rashid's journey is one of resilience, passion, and unwavering determination. As she continues to chase her Olympic dreams, she inspires athletes around the world to believe in themselves and never give up on their goals.