RICHMOND, Ky. - A cloud of excitement sits over Richmond, Kentucky today, as one of our own, Ahmed Jaziri, turns pro. The Tunisia native has agreed to a contract with Under Armour's Mission Run Baltimore Distance Team, based out of Maryland. 
 
Since joining the Colonels in 2021, Jaziri has made a huge impact on the program. Jaziri won a multitude of conference championships on the team and individual level, and achieved unparalleled success, including winning the NCAA Steeplechase National Title at Hayward Field in 2022. A performance that was one for the record books, being the second fastest collegian in history and the first Colonel track and field athlete to win an NCAA Division I National Championship.
 
Jaziri also had a great impact on his teammates throughout his time at EKU, especially his fellow steeplechaser and friend, Ahmed Kadri. The duo worked incredibly well together and raced their way to the 2022 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championship. 
 
"Jaziri for me is a real friend, before being a teammate, he is a brother. It's hard for me to explain our relationship but I can say it is perfect. I will miss him, but I am excited for him, and I look forward to watching him compete at the highest level," Kadri said on his teammate signing his first pro contract.
 
Head coach Cory Erdmann had some thoughts to share on Jaziri's exciting career news.
 
"We are very excited for Jaziri and the opportunity he has with UA. Jaziri has had a tremendous career at EKU, culminating in being our first NCAA Division I Champion. We expect him to have an equally tremendous professional career and I look forward to watching Jaziri in World Championships and Olympic Games for years to come," said Erdmann.
 
Tune into Runners Space Thursday Dec. 1 at 4:30 p.m. to watch Jaziri's pro debut at the Sound Running Cross Country Championships.