In order of the names of the senior women athletes who challenged the Chariots of the Gods, Adamu Irene Kwaha is number one on the list. Coincidentally, she fought as if the finished line were counting athletes in alphabetical order, and now she has maintained the position.
With a strong desire to educate her children and an unyielding determination, Adamu Irene Kwaha triumphed in the challenging Mount Cameroon Race, winning the Senior Women’s category. This impressive accomplishment symbolised the result of years of hard work and determination for the 29-year-old mother of three, who comes from Donga Mantung, Cameroon’s Northwest region.
Kwaha embarked on her adventure with the Mount Cameroon Race five years ago, starting off in the relay category. She and her teammates achieved a remarkable 3rd place finish, paving the way for future successes. In the subsequent year, their team secured the top position, a remarkable achievement they managed to accomplish even when Kwaha was seven months pregnant. Despite being a mother, she did not let anything hold her back. The following year, she came back while still breastfeeding and guided her team to another win in the relay. Her first stint in the senior category saw her achieve a remarkable 3rd place finish.
This year, Kwaha aimed again for the individual senior women’s title, and her determination paid off. She excelled in the race, outpacing her competitors and securing her place in the Mount Cameroon Race Hall of Fame. With a demanding role as a farmer and mother, Kwaha’s victory showcases her remarkable resilience and unwavering dedication.
Aside from the individual achievement, Kwaha’s win had a significant impact on the entire Northwest region, with all three top finishers in the Senior Women’s division coming from the same area. Adamu Irene Kwaha (1st), Tumi Macrina Yiinyuy (2nd) from Bui Division, and Ngalim Lizette (3rd) from Bui Division, collectively displayed the region’s athletic abilities and steadfast spirit.
When inquired about her intentions for the prize money, Kwaha’s answer reflected her authentic nature. “I will send my children, my younger ones, to school,” she declared, her voice filled with determination. “I will help the poor, and I will help the needy.” This generous promise demonstrated Kwaha’s dedication to both her family’s welfare and to improving her community.
Adamu Irene Kwaha’s story goes beyond a mere race win; it illustrates the strength of perseverance, the unyielding spirit of motherhood, and the dedicated effort to create an impact. Her success is a source of motivation for those looking to achieve their goals and overcome obstacles, showing that perseverance and compassion can lead to great things.
