The first year pro joins the team after record-setting track season.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., September 6, 2023 – HOKA Northern Arizona Elite announced today that the team has added Ahmed Muhumed to its roster. Muhumed, an ACC champion while at Florida State University, spent his first year as a professional setting personal bests at 3,000 meters (7:48.01), 5,000 meters (13:16.09) and 10,000 meters (27:56.99) In July, he finished eighth at the USATF Outdoor Track and Field Championships at 5,000 meters—one spot behind his new HOKA NAZ Elite teammate, Olin Hacker.
Muhumed, who was born and raised in the small town of Kabribayah in the Somali region of Ethiopia, came to the United States with his family in 2011. Muhumed attended middle school in southeast Portland, where has was first introduced to the sport of running, before moving to Salem, Oregon where he became a cross country and track star at West Salem High School. After winning consecutive cross country state titles for the Titans he chose to go to college at Boise State University where he would go on to earn a degree in International and Global Studies before attending Florida State University for graduate school where he received a master’s degree in International Relations and Affairs. At Florida State he helped the Seminoles win the 2022 ACC Outdoor Track and Field Championships by winning the men’s 10,000 meter run.
Joining NAZ Elite will reunite Muhumed with his former Florida State teammate and fellow ACC champion, Adriaan Wildschutt. The pair ran one-and-a-half years together in Tallahassee and produced a number of highlights including a one-two finish at the NCAA South Regional Cross Country Championships in 2021. In addition to Wildschutt, and the aforementioned Olin Hacker, Muhumed will also be training with the likes of NCAA champion Wesley Kiptoo, 27:42 10,000 meter man Alex Masai, and U.S. marathon champion Futsum Zienasellassie.
Muhumed said he was grateful for the opportunity and excited to get to work.
“The amount of talent NAZ Elite has, its location, great coaching, and great people all around makes NAZ Elite the best option for me,” Muhumed said. “The team’s vision and goals align quite well with my personal goals so I truly believe we can accomplish so much together.”
HOKA NAZ Elite Interim Head Coach, Jenna Wrieden, said Muhumed is a perfect addition to the team.
“Ahmed has proven over and over again that he can compete with the best men in the country,” Wrieden said. “We are excited to welcome him and help support his personal goals for his athletic career. Not only does he have a great deal of potential athletically, but he elevates our team with his character and work ethic. We can’t wait to get to work.”
Muhumed will make his HOKA NAZ Elite debut later this fall before turning his attention to preparing for the 2024 Olympic Track and Field Trials.
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photo above courtesy: Jason De Leon