Saere, what defines you as a runner?​

I had to change schools in order to attend the 7th grade because there was no class for my age in my village. From then on I ran for three hours every day, which amounted to almost 50 km per week. When I was 13 I had to find a job to support my family, and started missing school. I decided to leave school five years later due to the stress – although I would have loved to continue studying. This has had a huge impact on me and made me resilient.

Running wasn't my priority

I rediscovered my passion for running in the summer of 2019, three years after I came to Switzerland. I have been training with LAC TV Unterstrass and twice a week with the Generali Running Family ever since. At my first competition, the Swiss Championships (2021), I came second in the team evaluation over 21 km. I’m more professionally equipped now and, thanks to a good training plan, the annual training camp in St. Moritz and ideal living conditions, I’m getting faster and faster.

What is your goal for this year?

As a runner, you generally want to get faster. I want to continue running with the best at national and international level and become a professional. My ultimate goal would be to take part in the Olympics.

Sporting Highlights

• 3,000m OZB Championship, Tübach (SUI) 8:23,20
• 5,000m LCR Evening Meeting, Regensdorf (SUI) 4:20,40
• 10,000m Buchholz stadium Uster (SUI) 29:43,33
• 10K road StraLugano CityRun, Lugano (SUI) 29:30
• Half-marathon Generali Berliner Half Marathon (DE) 1:03.46