The Fastest Girl in Somalia
World Premiere

The Fastest Girl in Somalia

Official Selections
Podcast | United States | 102 MINUTES | English
Biography, Black & African American Diaspora Stories, Documentary, Journalism, Narrative, Politics, Sports, Women
 In 2008, 17-year-old Somali runner Samia Yusuf Omar stepped onto the Olympic track in Beijing wearing donated shoes, long black leggings, and an oversized white t-shirt. She finished last in her heat, but ran with such determination that she drew the loudest cheer of the race. That moment defined her life – but the world she returned to was collapsing. This narrative series tells Samia’s extraordinary story of resilience, ambition, and the perilous intersection of sport, war, and migration. Reported and narrated by journalist Teresa Krug, who knew Samia personally, the series blends first-hand accounts, archival Olympic audio, and original reporting to uncover both the promise and the costs of chasing the Olympic dream. 

Cast & Credits
Directed by
Teresa Krug
Producer
Preeti Varathan
Gus Navarro
Rebecca Seidel
Megan Nadolski
Cara Shillenn
Cast
Asma Mohamud

Contacts
US Sales
Maria Delgado
ESPN
maria.delgado@espn.com
Print Source
Maria Delgado
ESPN
maria.delgado@espn.com
Press Contact
Garrett Cowan
ESPN
maria.delgado@espn.com