Chatham-Kent’s James Muharrem, Making CK Proud
James Muharrem
Chatham-Kent sends athletes across Ontario, Canada, and the globe each year to compete athletically. Sponsored by baCK to Chatham-Kent, we’ll be featuring local athletes who have left Chatham-Kent, and are proudly representing our community. We hope many of these athletic ambassadors for our community someday come baCK to call Chatham-Kent home.
This week, we feature Chatham’s James Muharrem.
Muharrem runs track for the University of Guelph Gryphons. This year, he captured an OUA silver medal in the men’s 60m hurdles event. His time qualified him for the USports National Championships.
Here are James’ responses to our baCK to Chatham-Kent athletes interview:
1. Can you describe what support you’ve felt from your hometown/Chatham-Kent while you’ve been away?
Ive been shown endless support from friends and family, as-well-as media coverage/updates of my sporting events from all of the country. It allows me to stay connected with Chatham and allows Chatham to watch me and see my growth.
2. What do you enjoy about coming home to visit?
I enjoy catching up with friends and family that I haven’t seen in months due to my school and sporting commitment. Unfortunately I will be staying in Guelph this summer to further better myself on the track, so every moment I do get a chance to head back home I will gladly take advantage of it.
3. Would you consider making Chatham-Kent home again some day?
When I was younger I was all about leaving the smaller town and making my way to one of Canada’s larger cities. However, after witnessing the environment more as an adult I can safely say I will either reside back home in Chatham or a similar style/size location.
4. What advice would you give to young athletes baCK home in Chatham-Kent?
I would tell them to accept their failures and use them to better themselves for tomorrow. Failing not only makes you crave victory that much more, it also makes victory something to set goals on. Prior to last years track season I was always just a hair too slow, bumping me out of the finals or that next big meet. I would say it’s better to embrace such shortcomings and use it to push yourself the next practice, race or season because now you have goals. Goal setting is the most important aspect of sport in my opinion and it should be done at all levels.