More Than a Runner: How Almi Uses Storytelling to Connect Cultures

At Shanda, we believe every storyteller has a unique journey, and Almi’s is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptation, and the ability to share meaningful stories across cultures.

Running Through Life: A Story in Motion

Almi’s story begins in Ethiopia, where she grew up surrounded by a culture of elite distance running. Inspired by the runners around her and her own father, an Olympic marathoner for Team GB, sports naturally became a part of her identity. But unlike a scripted career path, her journey unfolded through unexpected turns, injuries, and a deep-rooted curiosity about the world.

Now a graduate student at Georgetown University, Almi balances life as a competitive runner with her studies in modern journalism—an intersection of communication, culture, and technology. It’s a field that, much like sport, requires discipline, patience, and the ability to adapt.

“I’ve always been drawn to languages, storytelling, and new places,” she explains.

Lessons from Injury: Patience, Identity & Growth

For athletes, injuries are more than just physical setbacks—they challenge identity. Almi faced this reality when a stress fracture in her femur forced her to take a three-month break from running. During this time, she lived in France, immersing herself in language and culture in a way that made her rethink who she was beyond athletics.

she reflects. “I had always surrounded myself with elite athletes, so I thought that success was the only way to be seen. But traveling and engaging with people outside of sport taught me otherwise.”

This realization played a key role in her growing passion for storytelling. It wasn’t just about sharing results or achievements—it was about capturing human experiences, cultures, and the different ways people navigate life.

Discovering the Power of Storytelling

Almi’s interest in storytelling took shape through her YouTube channel, where she documents her experiences as an athlete, a traveler, and a student adjusting to life in the U.S. Her videos blend curiosity, humor, and reflection, offering an honest glimpse into cultural differences, personal growth, and the nuances of being a competitive runner abroad.

“I never set out to be a storyteller,” she says.

Inspired by the work of journalist Louis Theroux, Almi aspires to create content that dives into unique and unexpected human experiences. Whether through interviews, travel documentaries, or reflections on life, her storytelling philosophy is simple: be curious, be open, and keep learning.

The Intersection of Storytelling & Sport

For Almi, running and storytelling go hand in hand. Both require patience, dedication, and the ability to push through challenges. Whether it's recovering from an injury or crafting a compelling narrative, the key is showing up consistently and embracing the process.

One of the biggest lessons she’s learned? The power of just starting.

This philosophy aligns perfectly with Shanda’s mission: empowering storytellers to start, iterate, and share their voice without being held back by perfectionism or technical barriers.

What’s Next for Almi?

With a magic wand, Almi envisions a future filled with more collaboration—working with others to bring stories to life through video, interviews, and creative projects that capture the richness of different cultures.

At Shanda, we’re excited to see where her journey takes her next. Whether on the track or behind the mic, Almi embodies the spirit of a storyteller in motion—constantly evolving, learning, and sharing her perspective with the world.

Key Takeaways for Storytellers

• Embrace the Journey: Whether in sport or storytelling, progress takes time. Commit to the process, and improvement will come.

• Your Story Matters: People connect with authenticity, not just achievements. Share your journey honestly.

• Collaboration Fuels Creativity: Working with others can enhance storytelling, offering new perspectives and deeper insights.

• Just Start: You don’t have to be perfect from the beginning. The more you create, the better you’ll become.

Inspired by Almi’s journey?

Start your own storytelling adventure today with Shanda and bring your voice to life.

Try Shanda’s intuitive podcasting tools and begin sharing your story with the world!