St Catharines mayor gets chance to meet local Olympic hero

It was an offer St Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik could not refuse.

Sendzik got an invitation last week from the Niagara Olympic Club inviting him to congratulate Olympic athlete Mohammed Ahmed in person. Ahmed won silver at the recent Tokyo Olympics in the 5000M race.

“Moh Ahmed, better known as Moh Speed, is the first three-time male winner of the St. Catharines Athlete of the Year, a three time Olympian and Canada’s most successful athlete in long distance racing,” said an enthusiast Sendzik.

Ahmed holds the eleventh-fastest 5000M time in history and has set several national and area records.

“So when I see him running on the 12 Mile Creek, he does whiz right by me!” laughed Sendzik. “Watching him in the 5000M (Olympic) final was so exciting as Moh came from mid pack, picked up speed and made his way to a Silver finish! Such focus, determination and such a stellar performance. We are all so proud of Moh!”