In a remarkable twist of fate, a group of rickshaw drivers in Madagascar’s Antsirabe has traded their daily grind for the exhilarating world of competitive athletics. Thanks to a unique initiative by the Crown Athletics Club, these drivers are not just earning a living; they are now showcasing their prowess in international endurance events, defying expectations and reimagining their futures.
From the Streets to the Podium
Haja Nirina, a dedicated cycle rickshaw driver, has turned his passion for running into a ticket for transformation. Located approximately 100 miles south of the capital, Antananarivo, Antsirabe is home to over 4,000 rickshaws, which serve as the most affordable mode of transport for the city’s 265,000 residents. Unlike the majority of his peers, who pay around 5,000 ariary daily in rental fees, Nirina now owns his rickshaw, thanks to a microcredit programme initiated by his athletics club.
The seeds of this remarkable initiative were sown back in 1997 during Antsirabe’s inaugural rickshaw race, which attracted local drivers with promises of rice, chickens, and other prizes. Tsiry Rakotomalala, the man behind that first event, later founded Crown Athletics Club, which has since evolved under the leadership of Yann Mayette. Since his arrival in 2017, Mayette has championed the potential of Madagascar’s athletes, providing them not just with rickshaws but also with the encouragement to compete on a global stage.
Training in a Tough Environment
Nirina’s daily routine is a testament to his dedication. He typically completes between 10 and 15 trips each day, earning between 10,000 to 15,000 ariary (£1.70 to £2.60). With only 500 ariary going towards the storage of his rickshaw, he devotes significant time to training. His commitment shines as he runs approximately 60 kilometres daily, often adding challenging routes like Mount Ivohitra to enhance his stamina.
On Sundays, Nirina and his fellow club members convene for training sessions, where coach Rakotomalala pushes them to run segments along the main road. Despite the lack of proper equipment—many runners do not have access to high-performance watches or even decent trainers—their resolve remains unshakeable. Mayette, who collects used running shoes from donors in France, highlights the dire conditions many athletes face, stating, “Even though you still see many rickshaw drivers barefoot in Madagascar, how can you even consider participating in an international race with shoes full of holes?”
Breaking Barriers on the Global Stage
Last year marked a significant milestone for Nirina and another athlete from Antananarivo, Mamie Andrianirina, when they participated in the prestigious Mascareignes, part of the Grand Raid ultra-trail event in Réunion. Despite the hurdles of obtaining visas and resources, both athletes finished strong, with Nirina placing second in a field of over 1,400 competitors.
“It was incredible,” Mayette reflected. “They were the ones everyone made fun of when we started racing, who were always reminded of their status as rickshaw drivers. Today, they’re proving they’re among the best athletes in Madagascar.” Nirina returned home with a €350 (£300) prize, a testament to his hard work and resilience.
However, the journey is far from over. Mayette acknowledges that while the club has made strides, the world of competitive running demands rigorous attention to detail—nutrition, equipment, and training are crucial. He hopes that sponsorship will soon be on the horizon, but for now, the financial burden rests largely on his and his wife’s shoulders.
Why it Matters
The story of Crown Athletics Club is more than just about rickshaw drivers turning into athletes; it represents a powerful narrative of resilience and empowerment. These individuals, once viewed through the lens of their socio-economic status, are redefining their identities and potential. Their achievements not only inspire their local community but also resonate far beyond Madagascar, illustrating the profound impact of support, determination, and the human spirit in breaking barriers and achieving greatness.