Shoulders back, runner 2460 takes the last 100 meters of the 5k in stride at Del Valle High School on Aug. 28. As a teal blaze passes through the course, it is evident that Sparta’s very own, junior Omer Ibrahim, is making history.

Ibrahim crosses the finish line with a face of exhaustion and excitement. He has just set a state and national record with a finishing time of 15 minutes and two seconds. Ibrahim’s record-setting meet earned him first place and the nomination for the MileSpilt National Performer of the Week award.

“As soon as I hear the footsteps and the breathing, my bodies reaction is first to go faster,” Ibrahim said to Rudy Alvarez of MileSplit. “Placing isn’t much to me, I’m trying to personally get better. ”

In his third year on varsity, Ibrahim is already considered the best on the cross country team and one of the best in the city. Using his athletic ability, daily practice, and father’s motivation, to develop himself as a runner and leader on the team.

His father and varsity coach, Bashar Ibrahim, is a former Olympian and Omer’s inspiration. 

“I told him you’re number one on the team,” Ibrahim’s father said. “So you better get together, rally the team, and get them focused.” The advice has helped as Omer took his first induvial title at the Tornillo race and helped his team place fifth at the Rudy Alvarez meet at Del Valle.

Ibrahim’s mother and head trainer, Gabriela Ibrahim, is glad her son gained good exposure after his race. Ibrahim’s name, time, and nomination, were posted on social media to get votes and support. Ultimately, Omer finished in second with 37.82 percent of the votes (2,797). 

“We are excited, but we move on and have the next race,” Gabriela said. “We need him to finish the goals he has set in front, so he needs to keep working hard and keep doing what he is doing.” 

Full of potential, Ibrahim hopes to earn a full-ride scholarship for cross country, saving himself from the stress of student loans. In the nearer future, however, his goal is to attend and do well at regionals, having noted he was not able to the last two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic.