Jamal Abdelmaji, a talented athlete, delivered an exceptional performance in the men's 10,000m race at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Despite finishing in 18th place, he set a stunning new personal best, making it the fastest 10,000m race in Olympic history. Abdelmaji's impressive display showcased his dedication, skill, and the remarkable progress he has made in his athletic career.
The Sudanese-born Abelmaji competed in the Games for the second time, representing the Refugee Olympic Team and more than 100 million people displaced around the world.
Three years ago, at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in 2021, Abelmaji competed in the 5,000 meters and finished 13th in his heat with a personal best time of 13:42.98.
Abelmaji set his sights on a second appearance, this time aiming to reach the final of the 5,000-meter race. However, he ended up competing in a race twice the distance, taking on the historic 25-lap challenge around the purple track at Stade France in Paris.
Abdelmaji delivered a courageous performance, maintaining his position in the middle of the pack while Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha set a blistering pace.
He dropped off the pace as they neared the halfway mark and stayed at the back for a few more laps before losing contact with the leading group.
Abdelmaji capped off his performance with a remarkable finish, crossing the line in a personal best of 27:35.92 and beating his previous record by over 40 seconds.
The distance runner has journeyed far from his teenage years when he fled his home in Darfur, leaving behind his mother and siblings. Eventually, he found refuge in Israel, where he was granted asylum.