The UTSA Roadrunners are set to welcome Olympian and NCAA Division II National Champion Fatoumata Kabo to their hurdles and sprint team for the 2024-2025 season, as announced by UTSA’s track and field/cross country director, Aaron Fox, on July 15.
Kabo, a 22-year-old from Senegal who grew up in Carpenedolo, Italy, will soon head to Paris to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games as part of the Italian national team. She will race in the 4x400m relay on August 9 and 10, and her career-best time of 52.24 seconds in the 400 meters earned her a spot in the Games after finishing fourth in the Italian Championships on June 29.
In addition to previous UTSA qualifiers Alanah Yukich and Diego Pettorossi, Kabo will be the fifth Roadrunner to reach the Olympics. Following the Games, she will join UTSA after two seasons with Angelo State University, where she won two NCAA Division II national titles in the 400-meter hurdles and contributed to a national relay win.
We spoke with Kabo about her Olympic preparations and her upcoming move to UTSA.
Q: What does your daily routine look like as you prepare for the Olympics, and how do you stay mentally grounded?
“I’m currently at a training camp in the mountains with the Italian national team, focusing on relay changes and physiotherapy. It’s my first time with the team, so I’m getting to know my teammates and adjusting to the environment.”
Q: How did you feel when you learned you were selected for the Olympics?
“I was stunned and overjoyed. It’s my first time with the national team, and making it to the Olympics feels like a dream come true. I’m incredibly grateful.”
Q: When do you head to Paris?
“I’m scheduled to go to Paris on August 6, if everything goes as planned.”
Q: What do you anticipate your Olympic experience will be like?
“I’m not entirely sure what to expect, but I’m planning to embrace each day with a positive mindset.”
Q: What have you learned about yourself through training as a college and Olympic athlete?
“I’ve discovered that I can be more mentally resilient than I realized. I’ve learned that discipline is crucial, even when motivation wanes. It’s about pushing through the tough times and staying focused.”
Q: What are your main goals for the 2024-2025 season, both professionally and personally?
“I’m keeping my goals private, but I aim to join a military company and build a career as a professional athlete. I’m also excited about potentially competing in the 400m if the opportunity arises.”
Q: How has your transition to life in Texas been?
“My first semester was challenging, with a high language barrier and feeling out of place. However, after a period of rest and recovery, I decided to return and prove my worth. I’ve made friends, adapted to the environment, and now feel like I’m truly living my American dream.”
Q: What are you most excited about moving to San Antonio and attending UTSA?
“I’m eager to meet Coach Jackie Richards and Kareem Streete-Thompson, who have already shown great interest in me. I’m also looking forward to exploring San Antonio and engaging in new activities outside of school and training. I can’t wait to start classes and experience everything UTSA has to offer.”
