The Calgary Native who now calls Toronto home, knows how to set goals and how to smash them. During an illustrious career, Effah is a two time Canadian 100m national champion, RBC Olympian and a guest speaker. He holds the title of ‘fastest man in Canadian university history,’ after winning four consecutive ‘Most Valuable Player’ awards during his university career and was a runner up in the 2019 Amazing Race Canada. The road to success comes with hurdles, and soaring over them is what this inspiring 31 year old athlete knows how to do. Having a lust for life and a hunger for more is what motivates Sam’s goal to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games, and make a lasting impact on the next generation of athletes.
Reaching any goal takes a huge level of commitment to overcome setbacks, losses and remain focused. Effah explains, “it’s about how to take those losses and then turning them into the best race or competition you’ve ever done.”
We caught up with Sam to see what’s next on the radar for this aspiring Canadian Olympian; how he juggles it all, what he’s learned along the journey and the best advice on striving for greatness.
Describe yourself in one sentence?
Motivated, continually learning, and never settling.
Who or what inspires and motivates you?
Wanting to reach my full potential motivates me. I’ve had big successes on the track, as well as too many setbacks. I won’t quit until I reach my athletic limits. From hip surgery to keeping faith and believing that I can be the champion I once was. I need to keep going.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career as an athlete?
In 2014 I was diagnosed with major labral tears, one in each of my hips. It hurt to sit, walk, twist, and of course, run. I was told there was a strong potential that I would not be able to sprint at the same level again. I required surgery to manage the pain. Starting from scratch – walking, jogging, sprinting in competition, required a ton of patience, discipline and trust in my recovery program. I jumped on the Anti-Gravity Treadmill – A state of the art technology used by NASA – and was able to train while recovering. I adjusted to the gravity over the course of my recovery and was able to bounce back.. eventually.
Read all the article here: https://www.holrmagazine.com/linea-intima-collab-with-house-of-empreinte/