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Canadian champion Marco Arop credits his mother’s sacrifices and strength as key inspirations in his journey to gold.
Mothers are often the unsung heroes in the stories of success, and for Canadian middle-distance runner Marco Arop, his mother's influence is at the heart of his journey to becoming the 800m world champion.
Arop, who made history by winning Canada’s first-ever 800m gold at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest in August 2023, has consistently credited his mother as a source of strength and inspiration.
In an interview with Olympics.com, the 24-year-old athlete reflected on the pivotal role his mother, and his entire family, played in his remarkable rise to the top of the athletics world.
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Arop’s admiration for his mother is unwavering, as he recalls the sacrifices she made in their early years as immigrants.
“Growing up, she overcame so much, the sacrifices both her and my father made over the years, raising six boys, it wasn’t always pretty and she went through a lot of stress,” Arop said.
“I’ve witnessed it and to see her overcome these challenges and still come out with a smile and be her best self, I think in my eyes she’s the hardest working person, she inspires me in so many aspects of my life.”
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Arop’s family journey began in Abyei, Sudan, where his parents faced the horrors of civil war.
In search of a safer future, they fled Sudan and spent three years in Egypt before immigrating to Canada.
Their new life began in Saskatoon, where the Arop family of six faced the difficulties of adjusting to an entirely new culture, language, and environment.
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But it was in this adversity that Arop first learned the importance of resilience and hard work.
“They made the sacrifice of leaving their families, leaving their homes behind in search of a better life,” he said.
“I think that’s definitely something that we try not to take for granted because we don’t understand what goes on in their minds. They have worked day in and day out ever since coming to Canada. All I’ve ever seen from them was hard work and dedication and just supporting their children.”
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Arop believes that this dedication is what shaped his mindset and fueled his pursuit of excellence, not only in athletics but in all areas of his life.
“That’s inspired not only myself but the rest of my brothers to live up to this and do the best that we can in whatever fields. To almost live the dreams that my parents had for us.”
While Arop’s athletic success is undeniably his own, he has always been quick to acknowledge the collective support that helped him reach his goals.
For him, the journey has been one of teamwork and shared effort.
Reflecting on his achievements at the global stage Arop recognizes that his mother’s sacrifices and unwavering support have been crucial to his success.
From escaping war-torn Sudan to raising six children in a new country, her strength continues to inspire Arop as he paves his own path as one of Canada’s brightest athletic stars.
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