Bengaluru, Apr 24 (UNI) Double Olympic champion and former 400m hurdles world record holder Dalilah Muhammad arrived in Bengaluru on Thursday to serve as the International Event Ambassador for the 17th edition of the TCS World 10K, scheduled to be held on April 27.
The prestigious World Athletics Gold Label race carries a total prize purse of USD 210,000.
Expressing her delight at being part of the marquee event, the 35-year-old American said, “This is my first time in India, and I’m so excited to be here for an event that celebrates running and brings so many people together. Running has given me so much, and it’s amazing to see that same spirit here in Bengaluru.”
Dalilah, widely regarded as the 'Queen of the Quarter Mile', recently clocked her season’s best at the Botswana Grand Prix on April 12, underlining her continued presence as a top contender on the global stage. "I want to walk away knowing I could still do it. That is important to me," she stated.
She revealed that while retirement had been on the cards post Paris Olympics in 2024, a period of rest and reflection led her to extend her farewell season into 2025. "My body just truly needed a break," she said. "I’ve always pushed myself to the limit, and I wanted to end my career feeling strong, not depleted."
With her eyes set on a final flourish at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo later this year, Dalilah shared her optimism: "My training is going well, and I’m looking forward to being in Tokyo. It’s going to be special for me, and every step I take now is part of that preparation."
Speaking candidly about her journey through injuries and setbacks, she said, “In 2024, I really just had to take the time to slow down. Finally, now I’m in a position where I can just amp it up again. So yeah, I’m running as well as I’ve run in the past.”
In addition to her personal goals, Muhammad lent her support to the concept of introducing ‘Grand Slams’ in athletics. “I absolutely love it. It’s about professionalising the sport, ensuring athletes are compensated, and giving them more chances to showcase what they can do,” she said.
Known for her prowess over hurdles, she quipped, “I even love the idea of athletes running more than one event, although anyone who knows me knows I hate the 400 metres flats.”
Highlighting the community ethos of mass participation events like the TCS World 10K, she said, “It’s so much fun when you’re running together. My favourite experience in running is just when I’m running for fun and with people who want to unite and have that common goal of loving to run.”
Recalling her early beginnings with a local track club at the age of seven, Muhammad reminisced, “Those were my best days—walking to practice, even by myself, just because I wanted to be there with my friends. It just has such great memories when you can unite people from different backgrounds.”
The 17th edition of the TCS World 10K is expected to draw thousands of elite and amateur runners from across the globe, cementing Bengaluru’s place on the international road running calendar. UNI BDN SSP