Maryan Nuh Muse finished the 400M race in 1:10:14.  This would not qualify her for a High School State Final.  She finished dead last in the competition.  She was 57 out of 57.  However 19 year old Maryan Nuh Muse was a champion the moment she stepped on the track.

She is from Somalia and her being at the Olympics defied her government and those who want to deny women their right to be free.  While Muse was growing up, religious extremists ruled the country of Somalia and girls had to wear heavy robes whenever they went somewhere.  Running was out of the question.

Training Facilities

Maryan Nuh Muse trains at a stadium in Mogadishu that was once home to executions.  While other athletes have fancy tracks and facilities, Muse trains on a gravel track where one can barely see the lines.

Dying to represent

How special was it Muse’s run at the 2016 Olympic Games?

Another Somali Female Runner: Samia Yusuf Omar drowned crossing the Mediterranean.  She was seeking better training conditions.

Covered from head to toe, Muse (how appropriate) came to run and that she did.

She finished her race.

I’m sure she inspired so many women around the world because she inspired me.