{"id":86114,"date":"2024-10-02T15:55:07","date_gmt":"2024-10-02T15:55:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/2024-has-been-a-remarkable-year-for-me-mwamikazi"},"modified":"2024-10-02T16:24:22","modified_gmt":"2024-10-02T16:24:22","slug":"2024-has-been-a-remarkable-year-for-me-mwamikazi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/sport\/2024-has-been-a-remarkable-year-for-me-mwamikazi","title":{"rendered":"2024 has been a remarkable year for me-Mwamikazi"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>At just 20, fast rising rider Jazilla Mwamikazi is already rewriting the narrative of Rwandan women in cycling.<\/p>\n

Specialising in mountain biking, a sport known for its grueling terrain, Mwamikazi recently made a name for herself when she competed both in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and the UCI Road World Championship held in Zurich.<\/p>\n

Despite a challenging race, marred by slippery roads and heavy rain, Mwamikazi remained resilient, even after her bike malfunctioned due to an accident. Though she didn\u2019t finish the race, her determination to bounce back was clear.<\/p>\n

Mwamikazi during the UCI Road World Championship held in Zurich.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a tough race. The rain was heavy, and I slipped. My bike\u2019s gears broke, and although I got another one, I couldn\u2019t finish. But I\u2019ve learned a lot,\u201d Jazilla told Times Sport, reflecting on her experience at the Road World Championship.<\/p>\n

This was not her first World Championship appearance. Her debut participation came in 2023 in Glasgow, where she competed in the junior category.<\/p>\n

Mwamikazi is is confident that the lessons learned during the past two editions will help her to achieve something better when she competes in the 2025 edition which will take place in September 2025.<\/p>\n

\u201cExperience is everything. I hope to adjust what I didn\u2019t do right recently. The rain was a major hurdle, but I\u2019m already preparing for next year.\u201d<\/p>\n

A historic year<\/p>\n

Mwamikazi describes 2024 as nothing short of remarkable. She became the first Rwandan woman to compete in Mountain Bike at the Olympic Games in Paris.<\/p>\n

Rwandan youngster Mwamikazi during in World Cup Mountain Bike Series<\/p>\n

Just days prior to the Olympics, she also made history at the Mountain Bike World Cup in France and later participated in the World Championships in Andorra.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese are challenging races that require a lot of experience. I\u2019ve learned so much, and I know that next year I\u2019ll be ready,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Being the first Rwandan woman to achieve these milestones is something she\u2019s still celebrating.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t expect to go to the Olympics until 2028, but when I was told I\u2019d be competing this year, I was thrilled.\u201d<\/p>\n

A rising star through international training<\/p>\n

Mwamikazi is part of cyclists benefiting from the UCI program aimed at developing African cycling talents. She trained in South Africa and Rwanda, and the experience paid off, helping her to win three international races, including the Tour de Rhuys in France.<\/p>\n

Rider Mwamikazi during a warm up session ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.<\/p>\n

\u201cTraining abroad is completely different from here. I was competing weekly, which helped me gain so much experience. Back home, there are fewer races, but I\u2019ve learned that every race helps you grow,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Now, as she prepares for the African Road Cycling Championship in Kenya in October, Mwamikazi\u2019s eyes are set on bringing home a medal.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s possible. Rwanda has done it before, and I believe we can do it again.\u201d<\/p>\n

With all her sporting achievements, she is also set to begin her fifth year of secondary school, continuing her studies with the help of a tutor via remote learning.<\/p>\n

Mwamikazi is a name to watch in the cycling world she is just getting started.<\/p>\n

Mwamikazi Ndabaga team cheering her in Paris 2024. Courtesy<\/p>\n

Mwamikazi in \u2018Les Gets\u2019 World Cup mountain bike series in France<\/p>\n\r\n