In a world where talent often outpaces opportunity, the Beyond the Finish Line initiative continues to rewrite the narrative one athlete, one story, and one dream at a time. Through the Athlete Impact Fund, this movement is giving young athletes across Africa a renewed sense of purpose and the resources to keep chasing the finish line that once felt out of reach.
In celebration of one year of interviewing athletes and coaches from various countries around the world, Star Mpama decided to support African athletes through the Athlete Impact Fund. Star, who is also a Nigerian athlete and a student-athlete at Illinois State University, is the founder of the Paragon Sports Development Foundation of which Beyond the Finish Line with Star Mpama is an initiative. Through this platform, Star has been able to support and spotlight young African athletes, marking a milestone in a journey dedicated to amplifying athlete stories beyond track and field. Over the past year, she has shared the voices and experiences of top athletes and coaches such as Christine Mboma, Anne Zagre, Cindy Ofili, Coach Jill Hutchison, Michael Cherry, Coach Endurance Ojokolo, Coach Ken Harden, Ronnie Baker, Coach Kayode Yaya, Kanyinsola Ajayi, Chidi Okezie, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, and Enoch Adegoke each conversation serving as inspiration for athletes across the continent.
The first ever Athlete Impact Story Grant Recipient, Molamin Jabbi from The Gambia, embodies that spirit. A young sprinter whose dream refuses to give up on him, Molamin received $300 to support his training and athletic growth. In his heartfelt words of gratitude, he shared how the grant has already made a real impact helping him purchase quality training kits, pay for gym sessions, improve his nutrition, and even motivate his coach with upgraded equipment. “The support you’ve shown me is a huge source of motivation,” he said. “It is incredibly encouraging to know that I have a team of people out there supporting young athlete dreams and investing in their success.” For Molamin, this isn’t just funding its faith in motion.
From The Gambia to Nigeria, another story of resilience emerges. Promise Amasiatu, a young sprinter with a personal best of 11.86s set at the 2025 Nigerian National Trials, became the next recipient of the Athlete Impact Story Grant, also receiving $300. Overwhelmed with joy and humility, she said, “I was absolutely thrilled and deeply humbled to be chosen as a beneficiary of the grant. I’m speechless, really and most importantly, I’m grateful to God. This is a testament of His grace and favor in my life.” For Promise, the grant is more than financial help it’s a renewed promise that hard work, faith, and courage truly pay off.
At a higher tier of support, the Athlete Impact Fund 2025 Personal Sponsorship Recipient, Onu Success Onyinyechi of Nigeria, received ₦1,200,000. Her story stands as a powerful reminder that when talent meets opportunity, impact becomes inevitable. The grant represents a long term investment in her continued excellence and in the ripple effect she creates for other athletes looking up to her journey. Overwhelmed with emotion, Success shared, “Wow takes a deep breath I’m completely overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement. Winning the Beyond the Finish Line Impact Fund is an incredible honor, and I’m still in shock. Their support means everything to me, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to take my career to the next level. Thank you to Beyond the Finish Line with Star for believing in me and providing this life changing opportunity.”
Across borders in Zimbabwe, Denzel Tadiwa Ngavi the 2025 Athlete Impact Fund Winner (1st Edition) received $1,000. A record breaking 400m sprinter with a personal best of 48.35s, Denzel’s story is one of persistence through adversity. “I shattered the Zimbabwe High School 400m record and won international gold,” he said, “but those victories were paid for in sweat and risk sprinting on gravel and hard surfaces while my potential begged for a proper track.” His powerful message echoes the very heart of Beyond the Finish Line. investing in the athlete before the applause, and providing the tools needed to transform raw talent into triumph.
Together, these four athletes Molamin, Promise, Success, and Denzel represent the heartbeat of the Athlete Impact Fund, a platform that believes dreams should never be silenced by limitation. Their stories remind us that greatness isn’t only found on podiums, but in the quiet resilience of those who keep running even when no one is watching.
Because Beyond the Finish Line with Star Mpama is not just about finishing races it’s about building futures.