At just 20, fast rising rider Jazilla Mwamikazi is already rewriting the narrative of Rwandan women in cycling.
Specialising in mountain biking, a sport known for its grueling terrain, Mwamikazi recently made a name for herself when she competed both in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and the UCI Road World Championship held in Zurich.
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Despite a challenging race, marred by slippery roads and heavy rain, Mwamikazi remained resilient, even after her bike malfunctioned due to an accident. Though she didn’t finish the race, her determination to bounce back was clear.
"It was a tough race. The rain was heavy, and I slipped. My bike’s gears broke, and although I got another one, I couldn’t finish. But I’ve learned a lot,” Jazilla told Times Sport, reflecting on her experience at the Road World Championship.
This was not her first World Championship appearance. Her debut participation came in 2023 in Glasgow, where she competed in the junior category.
Mwamikazi is is confident that the lessons learned during the past two editions will help her to achieve something better when she competes in the 2025 edition which will take place in September 2025.
"Experience is everything. I hope to adjust what I didn’t do right recently. The rain was a major hurdle, but I’m already preparing for next year.”
A historic year
Mwamikazi describes 2024 as nothing short of remarkable. She became the first Rwandan woman to compete in Mountain Bike at the Olympic Games in Paris.
Just days prior to the Olympics, she also made history at the Mountain Bike World Cup in France and later participated in the World Championships in Andorra.
"These are challenging races that require a lot of experience. I’ve learned so much, and I know that next year I’ll be ready,” she said.
Being the first Rwandan woman to achieve these milestones is something she’s still celebrating.
"I didn’t expect to go to the Olympics until 2028, but when I was told I’d be competing this year, I was thrilled.”
A rising star through international training
Mwamikazi is part of cyclists benefiting from the UCI program aimed at developing African cycling talents. She trained in South Africa and Rwanda, and the experience paid off, helping her to win three international races, including the Tour de Rhuys in France.
"Training abroad is completely different from here. I was competing weekly, which helped me gain so much experience. Back home, there are fewer races, but I’ve learned that every race helps you grow,” she said.
Now, as she prepares for the African Road Cycling Championship in Kenya in October, Mwamikazi’s eyes are set on bringing home a medal.
"It’s possible. Rwanda has done it before, and I believe we can do it again.”
With all her sporting achievements, she is also set to begin her fifth year of secondary school, continuing her studies with the help of a tutor via remote learning.
Mwamikazi is a name to watch in the cycling world she is just getting started.