Words by Imthishal Mohamed

Aminath Jaaisha Juneez is a name undoubtedly heard throughout our island. In recent times she has been sitting in the centre of the limelight, gaining attention from “the Athletics Association of Maldives” and countless other social media platforms. Just 20 years of age she was taken under the wings of well reputable athletes to take part and win several esteemed competitions such as Indian Grand Prix 2016 4×100m Relay, Dhiraagu Maldives road race 2019, Maldives international marathon 2019, 1st national grand prix and the famed 2018 Asian Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

When did you first take interest in track?

“I didn’t particularly take interest in track; I was playing basketball since 2nd or 3rd grade. Around 2016 I started track, the first time I ever ran was for an Interschool tournament. A nation coach, Coach Sultan saw me run and after that he invited me to join his track team”

On 30th October you broke your very own 1500m national record at the national time trial in Hulumale, how did it feel?

“Oh yes, it felt amazing. I practiced a lot, every day. Even when the COVID-19 outbreak took place, I would practice alone, even during quarantine. It felt great after all the months of hard work”

Does it feel more gratifying beating your own mark in comparison to a medal?

“At the moment, my goal is to break all the National records that already exist but winning a medal would be incredible. However, for now, I am leaning towards the aim of breaking records”

An athlete such as yourself connects to the saying “practice makes perfect”, what would a normal day of training typically consist of?

“Well, I have to wake up at 4AM every day, and since I live in Male’ I make my way to the Hulumale track at about 5AM, so I can start practice at 6AM. I would normally finish practice at around 8AM, and then I go home and rest. After a 4-5-hour break, I must be at the track again at 4pm and I finish my training at 6:30pm. So, I come home and eat then I sleep or probably join my online IT classes. This is pretty much my everyday routine, but luckily I get Friday evening off.”

When did you first come to realize your talent for track, and what made you decide to take this on as a career?

“Since I started off as a sprinter, it was basically no more than a 100m or 200m. I would say the realization hit me first when I had an 800m trial run. I ultimately would not have accomplished this without Coach Abdullah. He has been with me for 4 years now, it is because of him I started doing long distance and still am. I did not think it would turn into a career or that I would be that successful in it. At first, I ran just to see how far I can go, and thanks to my coach I am still doing fairly good.”

Other than athletics, do you have an alternative career you are passionate about?

“To be honest, I don’t really have any time to even think about anything other than track. In Male’ you have to have a job if you are going to play any sport, and if you only focus on your career in sports you aren’t going to earn that much. With the level that I am currently at I do not think I can make a living, which is exactly why I am getting my diploma in IT. This way I can have a job and support myself while I continue my career as a runner.”

What changes would you like to see being brought into the sports industry?

“I would love to see them send more women to sport camps, and more opportunity for them. It is hard in Maldives since there some indirect criticism towards women in the sports industry. Also, it is not about the money, but I would like to see an increase in salary. Everyone gets paid equally, but the amount is just so little. We just want to feel appreciated for the work we do, because everyday morning to evening we go to practice for over 5hours. So, the amount should represent the appreciation towards every sportsman and sportswoman.”

As a sportswoman, who do you look up to?

“I look up to Mariyam Abdul Kareem. When I first started running my very first goal was to beat her, after I saw her run, I knew I had to. How she handles herself and the way she is disciplined is admirable. I would say she inspires me to keep training and to keep breaking records. Sometimes when I run a race, I would imagine her in front of me, just to motivate myself to beat her.”

Every athlete has something or someone that encourages them to achieve greatness, who would you say your muse is?

“In everything I do I keep my parents in mind, because I want to make them happy and for them to be proud of me. Since I started running, they have taken me to almost every single practice. They encourage me so much when it comes to athletics, sometimes even more than studying. They would say if I ever get bored, I can always stop. They really do support me all the way with any decisions I make.”

How did you feel when you first walked into the arena?

“The first time was in India, when I was a sprinter back in 2016. It was when the sports industry was still new to me and I just started running. I did not personally know anyone; it was nerve-wracking. The arena was so different and big, but amazing. The emotions were just overwhelming and exciting.”

What are the most difficult challenges you have faced in this industry?

“Not getting the results I want would be the hardest part. Dedicating so much time and effort, and then not getting what I deserve after all the practice. Facing disappointment is tough.”

Do you have any advice for beginner athletes?

“Don’t give up that easily. If you are passionate about what you do make sure you show up for practices. Just show up. Invest time in what you love to do.”

The young athlete has proven to us that if you absolutely love what you do and commit yourself, doing the impossible is not a miracle after all. Aminath Jaaisha has pushed herself beyond the limit while remaining entirely devoted to career goals she once could only dream of accomplishing.

With the help of her beloved coach, teammates and parents she has unquestionably made history in the Maldivian sports industry and will undeniably carry on doing so.