Fatimoh Muhammed hosts drive for Liberian and Nigerian Olympics

On Saturday, Nov. 10, Samo security guard Fatimoh Muhammed held a clothes and shoes drive for Liberian and Nigerian Olympians at Olympic High School in Santa Monica. Besides protecting our campus and setting up clothes drives, Muhammed had a fascinating background before her life as a Samo security guard. She was born in Nigeria and was a professional runner for Liberia’s national track and field team. In 2002, Muhammed had the opportunity to come to the United States on a full track and field scholarship to the University of Texas at El Paso. The Nigerian-born security guard attended the 2008 and 2012 Olympics as Head Manager of the Liberian national team, unfortunately missing the required time to compete by the skin of her teeth: 0.05 seconds.“I was born and raised in Nigeria and I ran for Liberia, so I have so much love in my heart for both those countries,” Muhammed said. Her love for these two countries brought her to work with the Bill Rogers Youth Foundation, which was created by a former runner like herself. The foundation works to help Liberian youth in their war-torn country. Liberia has had two civil wars, together lasting for almost 15 years. The country is still recovering from their second civil war, which only ended in 2003. The Bill Rogers Youth Foundation provides food, shelter, clothing and education to the children of Liberia by organizing drives like the one Muhammed hosted on Saturday. Muhammed discovered this foundation five years ago and has been actively working alongside them since, hosting fundraisers and collecting donations for Liberia and Nigeria.“I work with this foundation because I want to make an impact on children’s lives, and I competed for Liberia during my running career. I always appreciate and support a good cause,” Muhammed said. Working with the Bill Rogers Youth Foundation, Muhammed set up the clothes and shoes drive with Olympic High School’s Principal Anthony Fuller and fellow former athlete Gracie Dickens. Dickens was born in Berkeley, Calif.  to Liberian parents and returned to their country when she was five years old. Dickens also ran professionally for Liberia and was Muhammad's mentor and trainer. The two now work together to support the country they cherish so dearly.Muhammed says that the drive was a success, but she still has a lot of work to do. On Dec. 15, the former runner will break out her old sneakers and track shorts to participate in a 400-meter run at Samo to continue fundraising. If she breaks 70 seconds she will raise $150, if she breaks 68 seconds she will raise $200 and if she breaks 65 she will be able to raise $250 or more. People are welcome to sign up to run for the good cause.“The 400-meter [run] is a continuation of the fundraising for the 90 Olympic athletes on Team Nigeria. I will ask people for one dollar for them and the clothes and shoes donated are for the children of Liberia. These two projects are dear to my heart,” Muhammed  said.