Olympic Hurdler Inspires Students at Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School

Students at Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School enjoyed an inspiring presentation during Black History Month as the school’s Black Student Association welcomed Olympic hurdler Mariam Abdul‑Rashid to speak with Grade 7 and 8 students on Friday, February 13.

Ms. Abdul‑Rashid grew up in Oshawa and has had success both nationally and internationally. She has represented Team Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, competing in the 100m hurdles and advancing all the way to the semi‑finals. Most recently, she became the 2025 Canadian champion in the same event, solidifying her reputation as one of the country’s top athletes.

During her presentation, Ms. Abdul‑Rashid emphasized the importance of surrounding yourself with people who genuinely encourage, challenge, and uplift you. She noted that the right support system can make a tremendous difference as students move through different stages of life.

She also shared insights about perseverance and the importance of being patient with your own journey. Ms. Abdul‑Rashid reminded students that dreams don’t always unfold on the timelines we expect, and that this is more than okay. She pointed to her own path, noting that she only became an Olympic competitor in 2024, a milestone that arrived later than she once imagined, but one made possible by staying committed and trusting the process.

Her message of resilience, self‑belief, and chasing dreams resonated strongly with students, offering a meaningful and motivating highlight to the school’s Black History Month celebrations.