Meet the 2026 SWM Athletes: Waleed Suliman

Waleed Suliman | Men’s Elite Mile

Social Media: Instagram | Strava | LinkedIn

Sponsor: Brooks Beasts TC
College: Ole Miss
Mile PR: 3:51.89 (2024 SWM Champ)

I live on a houseboat, and it’s as quirky as it sounds. Some of my favorite things to do around the house are bird watching, fishing, and watching the sunset from the roof.
I was born and raised in Amman, Jordan. I went to high school in Richmond, VA, attended college at the University of Mississippi, and now I live in Seattle, WA. Each of those cities has something good to offer, but Seattle is my favorite for many reasons.
In the last year or so, I have developed an interest in ’90s music, soft rock, and grunge. Some of my favorite bands are Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, and Hootie and the Blowfish.
I enjoy cooking, especially grilling on a nice summer day. I like cooking food from the Levantine region because that’s where I grew up.
I have never had a pet, and for a while now, I have been thinking about adopting a cat.

What is a movie or show you have seen lately that others should tune into? I’m currently watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy, House of the Dragon, and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
What is a book or podcast that is worth checking out? I haven’t read as much this year, but I love these books: Make Your Bed, Tuesdays with Morrie, The Alchemist, The Pearl, and Meditations. I don’t listen to podcasts, but this one is good: (Who Killed JFK?)
What is your “Song of the Summer?” Sideways – Balu Brigada, First Blush – Ocean Alley, Baby Steps – Olivia Dean, And anything from (Fred again..)
When you’re not training, what’s one of your favorite activities? I really enjoy cycling or listening to music outdoors
Do you have any connections to Raleigh and/or North Carolina? I have a few friends who live near Raleigh, most of whom I met through the running world.