His childhood in Goma was about survival. "My childhood was not about running or playing football, it was about finding food and surviving," he recalled. Moving to Norway felt like winning the lottery. "Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that I would have a roof over my head and food on the table every day," he added.

Switch to Athletics

He took up athletics at age 17 in Bergen, Norway. Initially a football player, he switched sports as his vision deteriorated. "It got to the point that I couldn't see anything. So, I tried track and I won my first race," he said.

Career Highlights

He debuted for Norway in 2019 at the Grand Prix in Nottwil, Switzerland. His most memorable achievement is winning gold in the T12 100m at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. He has also competed in non-Para athletics, winning gold in the 100m at the 2019 National Championships in Norway.

Challenges and Injuries

In mid-2023, he was hospitalised due to appendicitis. In mid-2020, inflammation caused him to miss three weeks of sprint training. He also dealt with a hamstring injury during 2018.

Awards and Recognition

He was named Performer of the Year for 2023 in Bergen, Norway. In 2020, he was named Para Athlete of the Year by the Norwegian Athletics Association and Male Para Athlete of the Year at the Norway Sports Gala.

Personal Life and Philosophy

He used to work as a mathematics teacher at a junior high school in Bergen. "When I was working, it was about five to six hours and on top of that I had to train three to four hours," he said. His hobbies include playing football, dancing, and solving puzzles.

Ambitions and Future Plans

Looking ahead, his ambition is to win gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. He continues to train under national coach Stephan Johansson and represents IL Norna-Salhus in Norway.

Inspirations and Rituals

He looks up to Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt as his hero. Before competing, he spends time with fellow athletes to ease nerves. "When I'm nervous I try to joke with my colleagues," he said. His philosophy is simple: "Everything is possible."

Fluent in French, Norwegian, and Swahili, he embodies resilience and determination. His journey from Goma to becoming a celebrated athlete in Norway is inspiring for many.