How Somalia Won the 2012 Olympic Games

If you have been following the current affairs of the world, the 2012 London Olympic Games are the latest ‘big-story’ across the globe.  Of the 204 countries involved in these games, Somalia deserves my mention.

Two athletes, Zamzam Mohamed Farah and Mohamed Hassan Mohamed, represented the Somali republic at the games. Mohamed competed for 1,500 meters but didn’t qualify for the 5000 meters race while Zamzam competed for the 400 m. both didn’t go past the prequalification stage though Mohamed Hassan beat some nations in his track. Then how did they win, you wonder.

Background knowledge of the two athletes and what they are up against may help broaden your understanding of their chances to have a shot at glory.

Most Olympians come from countries that are more politically stable than Somalia. They enjoy a regular professional training schedule lasting over four years; most have access to state-of-the-art wellness facilities, highly nutritious foods and better healthcare infrastructure, all of which are either nonexistent or limited supply in Somalia.

In addition, Somali athletes dodge bullets in order to train. When your life is threatened everything else becomes almost nonessential.

For those who, while seated on sofas sipping juicy fruit cocktails, bash Somali athletes on the internet I tell you ignorance is bliss.

Nonetheless, it should be clear that Somali athletes have braved a lot of hardships including great insecurity to participate in the Olympics with pride.

Most countries have a huge number of athletes to choose from and those who get selected are the cream of their fellow countrymen. In lawless Somalia, volunteers are a welcome bet.

If anything, those who would want to see a better Somali Olympic team this is your chance to build that team for 2016. You can do so by making your donations available to the potential gold medalists.

It shouldn’t be lost to the public that Mo Farah who won the men’s 10,000 meter race for Britain is also from Somalia. Also, Abdi bile became the fastest 1500 m champion in 1987 Olympics and remained a formidable Olympian until 1996. This is where training infrastructure makes all the difference.

All in all, Somalia’s participation at this difficulty time in our history must be lauded as a win and the athletes cheered up wholeheartedly.