Ditaji Kambundji just obliterated history at the 2025 European Indoor Championships, blazing to 60m hurdles gold in 7.67 seconds—smashing a 17-year-old European record and cementing herself as the continent’s fastest hurdler ever. But as she tearfully hugged her family post-race, one truth echoed: her trailblazing sprint legacy was forged by two people in the stands—her Congolese-Swiss father, Safuka, and Bernese mother, Ruth, who turned a Bern household into a track dynasty. Let’s meet the couple behind Switzerland’s newest athletics icon.

Who is Ditaji Kambundji’s Father?

Safuka Kambundji isn’t just a dad—he’s the family’s track-obsessed heartbeat. A Congolese immigrant who settled in Bern, Safuka infused his four daughters with athletic passion from day one. Though not an elite athlete himself, he became a fixture at Swiss meets, roaring from the stands in his signature vibrant outfits. His Congolese roots taught resilience: “He showed us that sports could bridge worlds,” Ditaji revealed. “Running was our shared language.“

Safuka’s genius? Rejecting rivalry. When young Ditaji began breaking sister Mujinga’s club records, outsiders predicted tension. Safuka shut it down: “Family over trophies,” he insisted. Instead, he turned meets into celebrations—whether Ditaji won gold or crashed out (like her 2022 Worlds DQ). His mantra? “Run for joy, not just medals.”

Who is Ditaji Kambundji’s Mother?

Ruth Kambundji, Ditaji’s Swiss-born mother, is the quiet architect of their athletic empire. While Safuka fueled the fire, Ruth built the foundation: juggling a multilingual home (German/French/English), driving kids to practices, and nurturing off-track passions like gardening. Her Bernese practicality balanced Safuka’s exuberance, especially when injuries struck.

Ruth’s masterstroke? Normalizing greatness. With four daughters in track (Kaluanda, Mujinga, Muswama, Ditaji), she made elite athletics feel like a family hobby. “We’d discuss races over dinner like school projects,” Ditaji laughed. Ruth also shielded them from pressure: when Ditaji bombed at the 2021 Olympics, her mom texted: “Plants need rain to grow. So do you.”

What is Ditaji Kambundji’s Parents’ Nationality?

Ditaji’s identity is a Swiss-Congolese power blend. Safuka hails from Congo, Ruth from Bern, making their daughters proudly multicultural. The Kambundjis embraced both worlds: meals mixed Swiss rosti with Congolese fufu, and family reunions pulsed with African drums and Alpine folk tunes.

Their nationality isn’t just paperwork—it’s their superpower. Safuka taught them to own their dual heritage in a sport often split by borders. “We run for every part of us,” Ditaji stressed. That pride fuels her advocacy: she’s now a UN ambassador for migrant athletes, fighting for inclusive training access.

Fresh off her fourth-place finish (12.71s) at the Rabat Diamond League—where she declared “feels good to be back competing” on Instagram—Ditaji’s 2025 season is just warming up. Next stops? The Diamond League gauntlet: Rome (June 6), Oslo (June 12), and Stockholm (June 15), where she’ll sharpen her hurdles technique and chase podium redemption.

But win or lose, Safuka and Ruth will be trackside—Safuka in his signature Congolese-patterned blazer, Ruth with her calm Bernese smile—reminding her that roots run deeper than records. As Ditaji grinds toward the 2025 World Championships, their legacy lives in every hurdle cleared: a fusion of Swiss precision, Congolese resilience, and unconditional love.